MINNEAPOLIS (May 1, 1996) ---- The largest combined fun- and safety-oriented family travel program on a global basis was launched today by Radisson Hotels Worldwide.

The program's two components --- -Family Magic- and -Family Approved,- announced during a press conference in New York at the Children's Museum of Manhattan --- are the first such programs to be jointly implemented by a hotel company on a worldwide basis, said Maureen O'Hanlon, vice president of marketing for Radisson Hotels Worldwide.

Our programs are based on our commitment to the needs of the traveling family and to the principle that such programs can be both meaningful and fun,- said O'Hanlon.

Family Magic- is a new concept in family-oriented vacations, incorporating a host of special amenities, discounts and activities designed to meet the needs and demands of family travelers, and will be uniformly available at all participating Radisson hotels around the world.

Family Approved- --- already lauded by the Center For Injury Prevention as an industry standard before its inception --- is a voluntary certification program for Radisson -Family Magic- properties which also meet specific safety and family service standards.

Radisson hotels are now signing up for -Family Approved- status and all participating properties should have it fully implemented by late

spring.

Our intent is to provide a quality, value-added experience for families, that recognizes the importance of families and family vacations,- O'Hanlon said. -We are sending the message that the family and family travel are alive and well in the '90s and that families can still have fun without sacrificing comfort or safety when away from home.

Our approach to the needs of the traveling family is a two-tiered program that not only establishes a new vacation product, but also introduces a uniform level of service at all participating Radisson

Hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim,- said O'Hanlon. Radisson SAS Hotels in Europe currently offer a modified version of the -Family Magic- program.

As part of the -Family Magic- program, families will be guaranteed a special -family- rate at participating Radisson properties.

The program ensures confirmation of:

* complimentary breakfast for up to four people

* CRAYOLA KIDS Magic Activity Kit

* a 25 percent discount off the -Family Magic- rate for a second room for kids or grandparents

* confirmation of guest room with two double or queen beds.

In addition, Radisson is encouraging individual properties to apply for -Family Approved- status by voluntarily providing the following:

* child-proofing/safety kits sanctioned by the Center For Injury Prevention

* children's books recommended by a professional children's librarian with Baker & Taylor Publishing, children's library experts

* playpens, cots and cribs as standard equipment

* children's games and family entertainment, including in-room movies and/or videos

* child care references or on-site child care services.

Safety kits will be available to families upon check-in at all Radisson 'Family Approved' hotels,- said Tom Griffiths, Radisson's senior director of product development. -They include such items as electric outlet plugs, window shade cord wind-ups, door-knob covers, bath tub spout cover, floating -duckie- bath pal safety temperature gauge and night light. Each kit contains simple instructions for correct usage and an informational guide for parents entitled 'Tips For Safety At Home and When Traveling.'

The kits are sanctioned by the Center For Injury Prevention, a non-profit education organization based in Stevens Point, Wis., which has lauded the Radisson -Family Approved- program as a new industry standard and as a model which -will encourage many families to develop a safer lifestyle at home and on the road.- Radisson is working in tandem with the Center For Injury Prevention to make it easier for parents to purchase these and other children's safety products. The Radisson safety kits, as well as a variety of other home and safety items, can be ordered by contacting the Center For Injury Prevention at (800) 344-7580.

According to O'Hanlon and Griffiths, each -Family Approved- Radisson hotel will have a selection of children's books available for reading by parents and kids, all chosen by a professional children's librarian.

Activity kits, co-sponsored by Radisson and CRAYOLA KIDS Magazine, include 18 self-contained -magic tricks- and children's activities, plus a four-color poster on which families can track their travels anywhere in the world.

For more information on Family Magic or other Radisson Hospitality programs call toll free: (800) 333-3333, consult a travel agent or the new Radisson worldwide web site at www.radisson.com which will be in operation on May 17, 1996.

Contact: Joan Cronson, (612) 449-1418 or Kathy Hernandez, YP&B, (407) 875-1111, ext. 504

For photography, refer to the Wieck Photo DataBase at (214) 392-0888, contact Radisson Hotels Public Relations at (612) 540-5451.

Karen Waters