Print Preview : Swissotel Grand Efes in Turkey opens in summer 2007

Swissotel Grand Efes in Turkey opens in summer 2007
In preparation for its Grand Opening in the summer of 2007, The Grand Hotel Efes, Izmir, Turkey will undergo an estimated US$60 million dollar refurbishment, and the property will reopen as an international five-star-hotel under its new name, Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir.

Mr Meinhard Huck, Managing Director of Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, commented on the opening: “After successfully operating Swissotel properties in Istanbul, Gocek and Ankara, we are delighted to be adding the Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir to our collection of Turkish properties. Thanks to the success of our three existing properties, the Swissotel brand is gaining a strong reputation in Turkey and abroad for the delivery of exceptional standards of hospitality and service. We are honoured that the owner, Izmir Buyuk Efes Otelcilik Ve Turizm A.S., has entrusted us to manage this important landmark property.”

In 2002 the hotel went under contract to be managed by Swissotel Hotels & Resorts.

Mr Andre Muhlemann, a Swiss national, has been appointed General Manager of Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir. Mr Muhlemann joined Swissotel Hotels & Resorts in 2001, and has served as General Manager of different Swissotel properties around the world. In his last position with Swissotel he was the General Manager of Swissotel Merchant Court in Singapore. Mr Muhlemann graduated from the Belvoirpark Hotel School of Management in Zurich Switzerland, and has completed various professional programs including at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in NY, USA. In addition, he holds a PhD in Business Administration from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Joining the pre-opening team of Swissotel Grand Efes, Izmir are Mr Stephane Franco, Director of Operations, and Mrs Nur Bilgin, Director of Sales.

Mr Muhlemann added: “As the city of Izmir boasts the second largest harbor in Turkey and has enjoyed significant increase in trade activity in recent years, we are very confident in the success of the hotel within what is a demanding business and leisure environment. I am very proud to operate this historical landmark of Izmir, and I am looking forward to restoring the hotel to its former glory and success.” Rania Deimezi - Thursday, October 19, 2006