Radisson SAS to open second property in Turkey

Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts has been awarded the management contract for the Stad Hotel, in the Turkish capital city, Ankara, by the Turkish Pension Fund's subsidiary Emek Proje.

The deal marks the opening of the chains' second hotel in the Turkish market, after the opening of the Radisson SAS Conference and Airport Hotel in 2000. The first class Ankara property joins the award-winning chain's 12 other properties in the region, stretching from Egypt to Oman.

Radisson SAS, one of five brands operating under the Rezidor SAS Hospitality umbrella, beat off stiff competition after entering a bidding process with 17 other international hotel groups, to be awarded the contract for the Stad Hotel in the Ulus area of the city.

Werner Kündig, Senior Vice-President, Rezidor SAS Hospitality, said: "It is an honour that the Pension Fund chose Radisson SAS to manage its hotel in the capital city. It is a welcome addition to our existing presence at Istanbul Airport. Guests will now be able to enjoy Radisson SAS' famous Fresh, Host and Easy hospitality in both Istanbul and Ankara."

"We will pursue a rapid and aggressive strategy in this country. The Ankara property is superbly positioned, right in the heart of the diplomatic area. The property should certainly business people and diplomatic travellers. Of course, most will already be familiar - and happy - with the unique European flavour of the Radisson SAS brand across Europe, the Middle East and Africa."

The 202-room hotel is scheduled to open in January 2004, after Emek Proje, one of Turkey's largest hotel owning companies, undertakes total renovation and a comprehensive re-branding process.

The Radisson SAS Hotel Ankara will feature a 110-seat restaurant, a bar, coffee shop, roof-top lounge, six meeting rooms, a business centre and a garden terrace. There will be 148 standard rooms; 35 business class rooms; 14 junior suites and five executive suites.

Project Leader Salim Koç said: "Of the six hotels we put out to tender for management three years ago, we have awarded two contracts to Rezidor SAS; one in Istanbul and one in Ankara. The Radisson SAS Hotel, Ankara, is the first one to open as a totally renovated first class property.

"Radisson SAS has great knowledge of the market in Turkey, and a strong commitment to it. Germany and Russia are prime feeder markets to Ankara and the chain is well represented in both those countries. Indeed, its market knowledge of Europe can't be bettered. The Radisson SAS name brings great credibility to a property."