Radisson Hospitality (also known as Radisson Hotel Group), a US-based multinational hospitality company, plans to open a new 165-room hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. The new hotel, Radisson Hotel Islamabad Multi Gardens, will be part of the J7 Emporium mixed-use complex. It is in partnership with J7 Group (J7 Global and J7 Emporium), a Pakistan-based real estate developer.

Radisson is a subsidiary of Jin Jiang International, a China-based, state-owned tourism and hospitality company. The Minnesota-based company is present in more than 120 countries through its brands Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Prizeotel, Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals and Radisson RED.

This move comes as a welcome boost for Pakistan’s tourism industry. The country has struggled with political instability and links to terrorism throughout its history, but recent signs of a change in perceptions are promising, including restoration of international cricket teams touring the country after a lengthy absence.

Islamabad is a planned city that replaced Rawalpindi as Pakistan’s national capital in the 1960s. It has a population of around 1.2 million, making it the ninth-largest city in Pakistan. The city contains many cultural landmarks including the Faisal Mosque and the Pakistan Monument, which attract large numbers of tourists on a daily basis.