Carlson (company)

Carlson, formerly known as Carlson Companies, is a privately held global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA. Its diverse portfolio includes hotel brands, travel management services, and restaurant brands, although its restaurant division, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (which included TGI Fridays), was sold in 2014.

Carlson's major hotel brands include Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Park Inn by Radisson. The company operates and franchises these hotels worldwide.

Its travel management business, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), was a significant player in the business travel sector, providing services such as travel booking, expense management, and meeting and event planning. However, CWT was later sold to investors in 2021 and rebranded as CWT.

The company's history dates back to 1938 when Curtis L. Carlson founded the Gold Bond Stamp Company. Over the years, the company diversified into various industries, eventually focusing on hospitality and travel. The Carlson family maintains ownership of the company.

Carlson is involved in philanthropic activities through the Carlson Family Foundation, supporting causes related to education, youth development, and community engagement. The company has a long history of community involvement and corporate social responsibility initiatives.