The Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul is eyeing a slow recovery beginning this April following the sharp decline in business following the September 11 attacks in the US last year.
The five-star deluxe hotel located on the Bosphorus in the heart of Istanbul is currently focusing on other markets such as Europe, Middle East and Asia to counter the dramatic decrease in the leisure, business and incentive business from the United States, says Wagdy Ibrahim, sales manager Middle East. Ibrahim says the hotel has also been focusing on the domestic market in its intensive campaign of sales calls, mailings and promotions aimed at recouping business. The hotel is currently offering a Winter Deluxe Package for $300 including breakfast as part of its promotion drive. The offer is valid until March. From February until April 15, the hotel is launching another promotion offering rooms at $298 including breakfast. Ciragan Palace is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and has won several awards including being voted the second best hotel in Europe by the Condé Nast Travel Magazine in 2000 and the fourth best hotel in Europe by Institutional Investor last year. It offers guests a variety of airport-hotel-airport transfers ranging from a luxury limousine, a yacht and a helicopter, says Ibrahim.