RIXOS Hotels celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the opening of two new properties in Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, Antalya and Istanbul. Now the group is aiming for further growth within the region.
Established in 2000, Rixos is one of the world’s fastest growing, luxury hotel chains dedicated to offering traditional Turkish hospitality and a unique spa experience in tranquil surroundings and an inviting ambience.
The Antalya-based group alone currently owns and operates eight premium resorts and villas along with six city hotels in countries such as Turkey, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Libya and in 2012, Dubai.
Speaking to TTN, Başak Erel, Rixos Hotels senior vice president brand management, said Rixos is quickly developing as an upper class brand and has noticed an increase in bookings over the coming weeks from various locations.
“Rixos Downtown Antalya opened in July and was already getting positive recognition for its all inclusive city and resort-style facilities. After Ramadan our occupancy increased over 90 per cent. In September we had more than 89 per cent occupancy rate and will increase 200 per cent in the following weeks. For a new location we are doing quite well especially as we have many amenities that attract the guests.
“Rixos Hotels is continuing its rapid growth with particular focus on Eastern and Middle Europe, the Mediterranean Coasts, North Africa and the Arabian Gulf region. Opening Rixos Downtown Antalya and Rixos Elysium Suites Taksim have only added to our high-profile portfolio and the seas-side city resort and city hotel are quickly becoming ‘the’ destinations everyone wants to visit,” she added. Excerpts from an interview:
How were the locations of the properties chosen?
Admittedly, most projects come to us as we are a well-known brand. With that said though, the location does play an important role in our success because we want to make sure we have something everything for everyone. We pride ourselves on offering all-inclusive packages. Obviously we research the locations before making a choice, how it fits our style and especially the needs of our target market.
The Antalya resort is in an ideal location because of its breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and Taurus mountains. It is located over the cliffs of the famous Konyaaltı beach. This resort used to be the Sheraton Hotel which we renovated into the glitz and glamour that is Rixos. Infrastructure is important, as is nature. Also it is nearby the shopping areas and tourist sites.
The reason we chose to open in Taksim Square because it is the destination of culture, art, commerce and entertainment. We have a mixed guest profile in our properties so we take into consideration the large families, the honeymooners as well as the business connoisseurs.”
How do these properties stand out from the rest in Turkey?
Rixos Elysium Suites Taksim is the first hotel with duplex suite rooms and facilities in Istanbul. The hotel stands out with its connections to various transportation networks of the city while offering the delight of a modern life at high standards. We have a divine Lebanese restaurant called Layali and a state-of-the-art spa specialising in Turkish Hamam (bath).
As for Antalya, we positioned ourselves as an all-inclusive business resort and city hotel because on the one hand we are at the heart of the city with five star products and on the other hand you can walk on the beach or the national protected park. We also have the biggest spa in Antalya, covering a total of 1,200 sq m and catering to all guests from a VIP gym to a relaxing massage and peel. We also offer dinner and a show at the trendy Russian, Italian and Japanese inspired restaurant Kalina. We have many amenities on the resort. You will have everything at your finger tips.
You mentioned that you have a mixed guest profile. How much of the company’s market come from the Gulf?
The Middle East covers 15 per cent of our entire market but is increasing incredibly in Turkey. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey witnessed a recognizable increase in the number of tourists namely from Kuwait (75 per cent with 10,079 tourists compared to 2010), Saudi Arabia (74 per cent with 24,543 tourists compared to 2010), and Yemen (52 per cent with 2,792 tourists compared to 2010). Syrians had the highest number of tourists visiting Turkey in 2011 (since the New Year, 352,198 tourists have visited Turkey from Syria).
Why Dubai and when will the residence be completed?
Dubai is a prominent candidate to be the new vacation capital of the world featuring the best hotels, most famous restaurants, largest shopping malls worldwide, a festive nightlife and a coastline that reaches miles and miles.
The Rixos Residences Palm Jumeirah Dubai will be located on one of the most beautiful coastal lines of the Island. It will offer green embellished landscapes and luxurious facilities such as a marina, spa and beach club. The residence section will boast boasts 112 flats, offering various options such as two to three bedroom residences as well as four to five bedroom detached villas with gardens, accompanied by impressive roof gardens on the seventh floor that encircles the buildings.
The residential block and the dual hotel block form a striking foliage shape in spirit with the Palm theme. The property will open its doors to the public in the first quarter of 2012.
By Mai Al Khatib