Radisson SAS gets two more Turkish hotels regional portfolio could shortly double

The internationally acclaimed hotel chain has signed an agreement with The Pension Fund of the Republic of Turkey to operate one hotel in Ankara and one in Istanbul, the company's second property in the city.

"Our regional expansion drive is now in full swing and we will soon have a total of 14 hotels across the Gulf, the Levant and Africa," said Werner Kuendig, Senior Vice President, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts.

"Turkey is key to our regional expansion plans and having three hotels in the country's two major cities reflects our strategy of being present in every major market."

While Ankara's present Hotel Stad will undergo massive renovation, the new Istanbul property will emerge from the complete demolition of the current Hotel Macka.

The present Hotel Stad was one of Ankara's first skyscrapers. It is close to the main cultural and business centre, overlooking the city park, old parliament the State Opera and Ballet and the Central Bank. The new Radisson SAS Hotel is planned to open late 2004, offering 214 guestrooms, one restaurant, a bar and a number of meeting rooms.

When completed in 2005, the future Radisson SAS Maçka Hotel in Istanbul will have 140 guestrooms, two restaurants, two bars, five conference rooms for up to 300 people, a health club and underground parking facilities.

From its location in the heart of the city's boutique shopping and business centre, within walking distance to the main convention centre, it will complement the company's 246-room Radisson SAS Conference & Airport Hotel Istanbul, which opened in September 2000.

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts operates Middle East and Africa hotels in Amman, Aqaba, Bahrain, Cape Town, Istanbul, Kuwait, Muscat and Sharm El Sheikh and has hotels under development in Al Quseir, Ankara, Beirut, Hurghada, Istanbul and Taba.

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts currently includes 109 hotels in operation and 40 hotels under development in 37 countries and is the sole franchisor in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa for Radisson Hotels & Resorts.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts and its parent company Carlson Hospitality Worldwide includes 813 hotel and resort locations representing 137,830 guest rooms in 63 countries plus six luxury cruise ships sailing worldwide.

For reservations at more than 400 Radisson hotels & resorts worldwide, call +353 1706 0284 or toll free in Europe +800 3333 3333. Visit us at http://www.radissonsas.com or contact your travel agent.


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