17 March 2010
Move signals the hotel group's dedication to becoming an international chain

Dubai, UAE; Rixos Hotels has announced the appointment of Mr. Kees Hartzuiker as the group's Chief Executive Officer. Reporting directly to Rixos Hotels Chairman, Mr. Fettah Tamince, Hartzuiker will lead the Rixos team of 6,000 staff in 12 properties across 5 countries.

Hartzuiker brings with him numerous years of outstanding success in hotel management with Hilton Worldwide, where he held several senior positions in Europe, Middle East and Asia. He will lend his expertise to guide Rixos Hotels through a period of dynamic growth and strategic international expansion.

 "I am confident that our Group will benefit from Mr. Hartzuiker's international hotel management experience of twenty-four years across three continents. His contribution will play a pivotal role in Rixos' further corporate development and strategic expansion." said Fettah Tamince, Chairman of Rixos Hotels.

Prior to joining Rixos, Hartzuiker held the position of Vice President Operations, Asia for Hilton Worldwide. Throughout his tenure he oversaw the existing hotel portfolio as well as all pipeline projects spanning across Asia including the emerging markets of China and India.

Mr. Hartzuiker commented "I am truly impressed with what Rixos has achieved over the  past 10 years and how it established itself into a great brand proposition. I look forward to having the opportunity to build on the strong foundation of the Chairman's vision and drive  the company's growth predominantly overseas, to create the finest international Turkish  Hotel Brand. We are taking on board a number of very exciting hotel developments for the future that will enhance Rixos's strategic presence and strengthen our great collection of properties".  

Rixos Hotels continues to strategically expand its reach, with further properties becoming operational in the very near future. In Libya, the hotel group will imminently open the doors of Rixos Al Nasr Tripoli, dubbed the 'Living Hotel' as it is adorned entirely with evergreen. Rixos Hotels is expanding in Middle East and Central Asia with its Ottoman themed property in Dubai, Zabeel Saray by Rixos, on Palm Jumeirah, and its exquisite property in Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. Rixos Lares an exclusive hotel in Antalya, Turkey, will be added to the group's portfolio in April 2010. Other upcoming hotels include Rixos Marina West Bahrain which is set to open in 2011, as well as the latest development Rixos Residences Bomonty in Istanbul in Turkey.

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Rixos Hotels
Rixos Hotels, established in 2000, is one of the world's fastest growing, luxury hotel chains.  Dedicated to offering traditional Turkish hospitality and a unique spa experience in the finest surroundings and luxury ambience, the Antalya based group currently owns and operates 7 premium resorts & villas and 5 city hotels in countries as diverse as Turkey, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Libya.

The Rixos portfolio of exceptional properties is sited in prime and historic locations. With more than 6,000 staff serving 12 properties, the Rixos Hotels have developed an innovative guest experience that blends the best of the new and old.  Designed to offer a unique luxury long stay experience, the Rixos villas are beautifully furnished. Tailor-made service with private butler and concierge is the ultimate choice of the world's most distinguished travelers. At the heart of every Rixos hotel is a revitalizing Wellness and Spa Center with an authentic Turkish Hammam, offering a unique spa treatment, menu and atmosphere. 

Known for their hospitality, attentive personalized service and fine cuisine, Rixos Hotels received global recognition and top ratings from distinguished specialist professional bodies such as the American Five Star Diamond Award, Conde Nast, and Great Hotels of the World. The group is pleased to be the leisure hotel of choice for discerning specialist travel and tour operators.

Rixos Hotels is continuing its rapid growth with particular focus on Eastern and Middle Europe, the Mediterranean Coasts, North Africa and the Arabian Gulf region. The group's vision and mission is to become a brand leader in the premium global hospitality industry.

For more information about the company, please visit www.rixos.com.


For further information, please contact:
Rawaj International
Afsaneh Baher
Phone: +971 4 3913560 / 0248
Mobile +971 50 8872338
Email: afsaneh.b@rawajinternational.com  

Paul Estorffe
Phone: +971 4 3913562 / 3560
Mobile: +971 50 346 1532
Email paul.e@rawajinternational.com  

© Press Release 2010