Raffles expands into Estonia with New Hotel Contract

Raffles has sealed an agreement with Tornimäe Hotel Ltd to operate a new hotel development in Tallinn, Estonia.

This is the second hotel contract in Eastern Europe for Raffles International, after securing its first agreement to manage a hotel in Moscow last year. Targeted for opening in early 2007, the 239-room hotel to be named Swissôtel Tallinn Estonia, is the latest addition to Raffles International’s portfolio, growing the company’s global footprint to 39 hotels and resorts in 20 countries in 34 destinations.

Located within the Baltic Sea Region, Estonia is one of the fastest growing economies and is forecasting strong GDP growth for the next two years. Over the recent years, its capital city, Tallinn, has developed into an important banking and commercial hub, linking Russia and the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. Since the Old Town of Tallinn was awarded the UNESCO world heritage status in 1997 for its rich history and medieval architecture, Tallinn has further flourished into a popular leisure destination. It saw an increase in total visitation of 70% between 1998 and 2003 and was listed as one of the “Fifty Most Romantic Places on Earth” in Travel and Leisure magazine in 2001. Today, it is a modern city with tall buildings, large shopping malls, a newly renovated airport, and an ever-growing cargo and passenger port. The city also has a fast developing convention and conference industry with sixty percent of conferences held in Estonia taking place in Tallinn.

The 239-room, 28-storey Swissôtel Tallinn, Estonia is conveniently situated in a prime city location commonly known as the “Wall Street of Tallinn”, between Tartu and Raväla Street. The hotel is within 15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town known for its cobblestone streets, 10-15 minutes from the airport via the Tartu road, 10 minutes from the passenger harbour and 15 minutes from the central railway station.

Swissôtel Tallinn Estonia, will be part of a multi-complex comprising apartments and shopping centres. Upon completion in early 2007, it will be Tallinn’s tallest building, boasting impressive views over the city from the hotel’s top floor. Hotel facilities include 2,500 square metres of conference and meeting facilities, food and beverage outlets, three executive floors, and a health club.

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