ZURICH, SWITZERLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 04/30/15 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, a leading brand in the FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) portfolio, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Turkish developer Garanti Koza to manage Swissotel KozaPark Istanbul, an impressive new property being developed in the city's fast-growing Esenyurt district.
Slated to open in 2019, the project will grow Swissotel's footprint in one of Europe's leading travel markets while also strengthening FRHI's presence in Istanbul; a dynamic city that includes the renovated Swissotel The Bosphorus, newly opened Raffles Istanbul and the upcoming Fairmont Quasar, Istanbul, which is currently in development and expected to open in late 2016.
"Istanbul is one of the financial capitals of the world, a top destination for global travellers and a very important market for Swissotel," said Lilian Roten, vice president, Swissotel Brand. "With the addition of a spectacular new hotel in the city and our planned opening in Bodrum later this summer, Turkey offers great potential for our hotel group and we are delighted with this opportunity to build on our existing presence in the market. This development also strengthens our ongoing relationship with Garanti Koza, our partner on a fashionable new Swissotel being built in Bulgaria's capital Sofia, and we look forward to bringing our combined experience and expertise to this exciting project."
Swissotel KozaPark Istanbul will feature 160 guestrooms, and guests will enjoy an array of inviting food and beverage options, highlighting local, flavourful fare, as well as access to generous meeting space, including a spacious ballroom. In addition to an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool, a notable leisure offering will be the hotel's extensive spa facility. The brand's signature Purovel Spa & Sport will feature invigorating Alpine-inspired treatments, exercise classes and leading-edge fitness equipment.
The project will also introduce the first branded Swissotel Residences in Istanbul, offering 450 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury residences, all benefiting from Swissotel's genuine and reliable service.
The Swissotel will be part of KozaPark, a new residential, retail, and entertainment destination at the north border of the Esenyurt district. This innovative mixed-use development is home to the world's largest tennis academy, a draw for international professional players and tennis enthusiasts alike. Of note, the Koza World of Sports complex will host the first-ever ATP Istanbul Open in 2015 and the WTA Istanbul Cup, as well as sports competitions and entertainment events at its 8,000 seat stadium. Other highlights include a 32,000 square metre biological lagoon and extensive outdoor landscaped gardens as well as the Akbati Shopping Mall and several residence towers.
"We are extremely happy to be partnering with FRHI and their Swissotel brand on what promises to be a truly amazing hotel in one of Europe's top cities," said Garanti Koza chairman Sukru Ilkel. "Istanbul is a remarkable destination, admired around the globe for its culturally rich sites and attractions. Esenyurt is one of the fastest growing districts of our beautiful city, and will become an exciting locale in its own right thus enhancing the overall Istanbul market. We look forward to adding an outstanding new hotel worthy of the city's world-renowned status."
Istanbul is the economic, cultural and historic heart of Turkey, and has been named a European Capital of Culture, with its historic centre being deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors from around the globe flock to experience its vibrant energy and stunning architecture, as well as attractions like the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, among countless others. Esenyurt is located on the European side of the city, and has recently undergone major development and impressive growth, making it one of the most populated districts in the area. It is home to numerous universities, as well as the headquarters for Mercedes-Benz, and local industries include facilities for technology, plastics, textiles and pharmaceuticals. The area also offers direct motorway access to Ataturk International Airport.
About Swissotel Hotels & Resorts
Swissotel Hotels & Resorts got its start in Switzerland, a country known for big mountains and equally high standards of living. Its contemporary Swiss style and locally inspired flair attracts business and leisure travellers who enjoy high-end hotels but prefer fresh innovation to stale pretension. Conveniently located where travellers want to be, Swissotel provides guests with the opportunity to stay in the heart of city centres worldwide where access to business and shopping districts are right around the corner. Swissotel properties can be found in over 30 well-located properties around the world, with many more in development. As guests of the world, every Swissotel upholds Swiss sustainability standards. In fact, Swissotel has a mission: to treat guests, team members, and the environment with equal respect. Swissotel is part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with over 110 hotels under the Raffles, Fairmont, and Swissotel brands. But no matter how international Swissotel becomes, just like the country it was founded in, it remains a small hotel at heart. For more information or reservations, please visit swissotel.com.
About Garanti Koza
Garanti Koza is a prominent Turkish developer with 67 years of experience; bearing a trademark that has been synonymous with reliability and solidity since its foundation in 1948. The construction group was originally set up as a subsidiary of Garanti Bank, and, following various corporate transactions, including participation from leading German construction company Hochtief, was taken wholly private in 2004. The company's activity includes general contracting, real estate development, engineering and power plant contracting, real estate sale (Realty World master franchise), and facility management. Garanti Koza currently holds or controls over 1.5 million sq-m of development land. Hotel and tourism construction experience includes Hilton Makkah, KSA, Al jubail Holiday Inn, KSA, Talya Hotel, Antalya, Divan Kurucesme, and the extension of Divan Istanbul.
To view the photo associated with this release, please visit the following link: www.marketwire.com/library/20150429-shr0430kazapark800.jpg.
Contacts:
FRHI Hotels & Resorts
Mike Taylor
Director, Public Relations
416/874-2457
mike.taylor@frhi.com
FRHI Hotels & Resorts
Eva-Maria Panzer
Director, Public Relations, Europe
+41 (0) 44 317 6228
eva-maria.panzer@frhi.com