BERLIN, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China's HNA Tourism Group renamed Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as Radisson Hotel Group on Monday here at the International Hotel Investment Forum.

In late 2016, HNA bought Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Inc, whose brands include Radisson Hotels, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, and the Quorvus Collection, along with a majority stake in Brussels-based Rezidor Hotels.

Since then, HNA has restructured the chain hotels, including the change of legal name of Carlson Hotels into Radisson Hospitality last November.

The new identity aimed to leverage the powerful, international brand equity of the Radisson name to drive awareness in the marketplace, increase marketing efficiency across the global portfolio and offer exceptional experiences to guests, owners and talent.

"Today is the start of an exciting era for the Radisson Hotel Group, united by our new brand and long-term vision to become a top three hospitality company in the world," said Federico J. Gonzalez, Chairman of the Global Stering Committee of Radisson Hotel Group.

Radisson Hotel Group has more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development.

Most of its brand names stay the same, although Country Inns & Suites by Carlson has changed to Country Inns & Suites by Radisson, and the group's customer loyalty program is now called Radisson Rewards instead of Club Carlson.