A subsidiary of HNA Group, which owns Hainan Airlines, has bought Carlson Hotels for an undisclosed amount.

The deal is the latest foray by Chinese investors into the leisure sector. When it goes through HNA Tourism Group will control hotel brands including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu and Park Plaza.

“Since my grandfather, Curt Carlson, founded our company in 1938, our family has run businesses that create opportunity for people and positive change in the world,” said Diana Nelson, Carlson Board chair.

“Hospitality is in our hearts, which made this a difficult decision. We strongly believe that selling our hotel business to HNA Tourism Group, a company that fully recognises its value and heritage, is the best way for us to position it for success and to be true to my grandfather’s legacy in the long term.”

The deal also includes a 51.3% majority stake in Rezidor Hotel Group.

The two companies have said that the tie-up will lead to the ability to accelerate growth through investments in areas such as digital, owned assets, the building of the Radisson RED and other brands.