Turkey and opening of Hyatt Regency Kiev is set to attract Middle East travellers

Ukraine

With the Ukrainian independence on the turn of the millennium, and the easing of visa rules in 2005, Kiev, the largest city in the Ukraine and commonly known as the 'green city', continues to build itself as one of the most sought-after destinations in Eastern Europe for Middle East travellers.

Kiev has developed a competitive tourism industry, promoting its 2,148 architectural and historical landmarks, Western-style residential complexes, and classy restaurants.

"Middle East travellers are known to enjoy their time in Eastern Europe," said Thierry Bertin, Area Director of Marketing - Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.

"With the opening of Hyatt Regency Kiev, travellers from the Middle East will be able to discover the city's beautiful sights and at the same time experience top-rate hospitality," he added.

Hyatt Regency Kiev is centrally located in the historical centre on Tarasowa Street overlooking Saint Sophia Square, the ideal address for Middle East business and leisure travellers alike.

The sleek, stylish hotel will house 234 generously sized deluxe rooms, including 25 Suites. Rooms will be geared towards the comfort and needs of the global business traveller, with high-tech communications and ergonomic working areas. All rooms are equipped with broadband Internet access, mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, in-room safes that can accommodate standard-sized laptops, individual climate control, two-line telephones and voice mail messaging. Luxurious bathrooms with under floor heating, deep-soaking baths and exceptional rain showers set the scene for a unique in-room experience.

Guests will have the choice of a variety of two restaurants and two lounge areas. The hotel's main restaurant "Grill Asia" features two 'open-kitchens'. One equipped with wood-burning oven and charcoal grill for the European style dishes and the other equipped with two woks and a steamer to cook according to authentic recipes. Situated on the 8th floor "Bar on 8" offers all-day simple dishes such as salads, sandwiches, steaks and desserts alongside an exquisite selection of fine cigars. With a panoramic terrace overlooking Saint Sophia Square and Cathedral, "Bar on 8" also offers alfresco dining during the warmer months. At the heart of the hotel is the lobby lounge allowing visitors to relax in the urban buzz of an international hotel. With a stunning fireplace, the lobby lounge will serve a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, salads, light luncheon hot dishes and pastries throughout the day.

Conference and banqueting facilities accommodate all needs, from discrete board meetings to medium sized functions. The hotel provides close to 1,000 square metres of meeting and function space including a 371 square metre ballroom, 8 meeting rooms and 3 boardrooms. All facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. For seamless professional services, a business centre provides executive travellers with multimedia technology, high-speed Internet access, fully equipped workstations, translation services and advice on local commerce as well as secretarial support.

The hotel's fitness centre houses a highly sophisticated gym fitted with digital cardiovascular equipment, saunas and whirlpool baths and swimming pool. The luxurious Spa offers the most advanced treatments and massages designed to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Manicure and coiffure services are also available.

Additional facilities include Hyatt's unique Regency Club® lounge, a private area featuring a lounge offering complimentary continental breakfast, evening refreshments and hors d' oeuvres, as well as a dedicated concierge.

Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for travellers from the Middle East.

As Turkey continues it negotiations for accession to the European Union, the country has shown a strong increase in its tourism figures.

Foreign tourist arrivals increased substantially between 2002 and 2005, from 12.8 million to 21.2 million, with an expected 21.4 million visitiors for 2007, making Turkey a top 10 destination in the world for visiting travellers. Turkey's tourism industry generated $2.16 billion in the first quarter of 2007, 8 percent more than the same period last year, according to the Turkish Statistics Institute, which also makes Turkey one of the biggest revenue owners in the world.

In addition to Istanbul's ancient history and outstanding historic landmarks, in the recent years the city has gained Middle East recognition for its culinary arts, five star luxury hotels, and great shopping.

"Turkey has always been a favourite destination for Middle East Travellers," said Thierry Bertin, Area Director of Marketing - Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.

"With Istanbul being one of the most popular cities in the world and located just a short distance away from the Middle East, it is the perfect holiday destination for GCC visitors," Bertin added.

Hyatt Regency Istanbul, located in the heart of the city's business district is just a short walk from Taksim Square's shopping and entertainment areas. Perfectly situated for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is just 20 kilometers from Ataturk Airport and five minutes from Istanbul's historic landmarks, including The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

The hotel boasts of 360 rooms including 71 Regency Club rooms with added special amenities, 28 suites, and seven fully furnished luxury apartments.

Hyatt Regency Istanbul also provides exclusive dining options for its guests. Agora Restaurant, famous for its open buffets and delicious local and international cuisine, holds up to 300 guests.

Spazio is the award wining Italian restaurant of Hyatt Regency Istanbul. With a wide selection of homemade pastas, seafood dishes, and special Italian desserts, the restaurant presents guests with the very best in Italian cooking.

In addition to the great dining and hotel facilities, Hyatt Regency Istanbul also
features the Mezzanine Lounge, a perfect place to unwind and taste various selections of flavored coffees and teas.

Nargile Garden, part of Hyatt Regency Istanbul's, is where guests can find different flavors of nargile and have delicious snacks. Gazebo, open during the summer months, is the poolside café of the hotel. It offers summer juices, light meals and various types of ice creams.

For the healthy option, Club Olympus, which is the fitness centre of Hyatt Regency Istanbul, offers guests gym facilities, sauna, Turkish bath, massage therapy and a juice bar. In addition to this, outdoor pool and floodlit tennis court are added sporting facilities for guests to enjoy and keep fit.

With its top hotel facilities available and remarkable location, Hyatt Regency Istanbul remains a top hotel for Middle East travelers.