Carlson Rezidor, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel companies worldwide, strengthens its leading position on Istanbul’s upper upscale hotel market: With the announcement of the Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Topkapi (260 rooms, opening in Q3 2016), the group now operates and develops 7 Radisson Blu hotels with more than 1,500 rooms in Istanbul, and extends its key role within the city’s growing hospitality industry.
“Radisson Blu is Europe’s largest upper upscale brand, and we are proud to also rank highest in this segment in Istanbul. Due to its strategic location between Europe and Asia, its rich culture and its economic power, Istanbul is one of the most exciting places of the present – and one of the most promising destinations of the future”, said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor.
Carlson Rezidor’s flagship in town, the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, opened in 2005. Since then, the group has grown the brand to 7 properties. They are located on both the European and Asian side of Istanbul, and offer stylish design, sophisticated facilities and personalized service to business and leisure guests alike – every offer being centred around the brand’s unique philosophy “Yes I Can!”. The Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Topkapi will further enhance the portfolio: It will be built near the famous Topkapi gate and comprise 260 rooms with signature services such as free high speed internet access, 2 restaurants and 1 bar, meeting facilities spread over 400 sqm, and a spa & wellness area.
Carlson Rezidor’s engagement in Turkey goes beyond Istanbul: With its core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson, the group is also active in Ankara, Kayseri, Izmir, Cesme and Mersin. At the Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC), Carlson Rezidor announced the network expansion to Samsun, the largest city on the Black Sea coast: The Park Inn by Radisson Samsun featuring 139 rooms is scheduled to open in early 2015 and brings the group’s total Turkish portfolio to 14 hotels and almost 3,000 rooms. Park Inn by Radisson is a young, fresh and vibrant midmarket brand – focused on the essentials and targeting the growing guest clientele of Gen X and Y. “We will continue to bring Radisson Blu to prime urban and resort locations in Turkey and introduce Park Inn by Radisson to important secondary markets. Turkey is a key country for Carlson Rezidor where we want to grow strategically together with strong local partners. We follow the country’s development very closely, and believe in its consolidation and future performance”, commented Elie Younes, Senior Vice President & Head of Group Development of Rezidor during CATHIC.
In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Carlson Rezidor pursues an asset-light, profitable and sustainable growth through fee-based contracts and with a focus on the emerging markets of Russia and Africa and on selected key countries – namely Turkey, Russia, Nigeria and Saudi-Arabia. The group operates and develops 4 brands: Core brands are Radisson Blu in the upper upscale segment and Park Inn by Radisson in the midscale segment. In early 2014, Carlson Rezidor announced 2 new brands. Quorvus Collection is a new generation of expertly curated 5 star hotels, and Radisson Red is a lifestyle select offer inspired by the Millennial trends and lifestyle.
“Whilst the majority of our future projects in Turkey will be linked to Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson, we also see growth potential for Quorvus Collection and Radisson Red. This is an excellent opportunity for our business partners to expand their investments into this sector; we look forward to adding value to such investments and capturing additional market opportunities through our re-fined brand portfolio”, ended Younes.
Source: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
