Carlson is to launch 19 new hotels in India by the end of 2011, adding to the 33 properties the hotel group already operates in the country.

The US-based hospitality company plans to open the properties under its four brands of Radisson, Country Inns & Suites, Park Inn and Park Plaza.

Carlson will open 11 Radisson hotels in India this year, increasing the Radisson portfolio of properties in the country to 40.

The hotel expansion is part of the company’s Ambition 2015 strategy to increase its global portfolio by at least 50% to more than 1,500 hotels by 2015.

Carlson operates 1,085 hotels in over 150 countries.