Rixos Tersane Istanbul opens as the city’s newest luxury hotel, offering a blend of hospitality, culture, and art that promises to redefine Istanbul’s tourism landscape.
Located in the historic Tersane area, this new addition to the Rixos Hotels family is not just a place to stay but also a cultural and artistic hub, catering to both travelers and the local community.
During the grand opening ceremony, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the significance of Rixos Tersane Istanbul was highlighted as a major milestone for the city’s tourism and cultural sectors. Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s strategic focus on tourism, noting that the country’s tourism revenue has reached $56 billion, with over 26 million tourists visiting in the first half of 2023 alone.
“We see tourism as a strategic area,” Erdoğan stated, adding that Turkey offers diverse opportunities in health, cultural, religious, and adventure tourism.
A New Cultural and Tourism Landmark
Rixos Tersane Istanbul is more than just a luxury hotel. It is also designed to function as a cultural and event space, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant cultural life. Speaking at the ceremony, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the dual role of the new establishment: “This modern facility is a significant asset for both tourism and the cultural and arts scene of our city. It will serve Istanbul and its residents for many years, leaving guests with unique experiences and memories of Istanbul.”
Minister Ersoy also underscored Istanbul’s continued growth in tourism, noting that the city has set a record by welcoming approximately 10.5 million visitors in the first seven months of this year, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, Istanbul has seen a 46% rise in sea tourism visitors, with Galataport Istanbul reporting a 19% increase in cruise passenger numbers compared to the previous year.
A Hub for Luxury, Art, and History
Rixos Tersane Istanbul is strategically positioned to offer more than just luxury accommodation; it aims to become a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural and artistic offerings. From the Atatürk Cultural Center to the Istanbul Cinema Museum, Galata Mevlevihanesi, and the iconic Hagia Sophia, the hotel is surrounded by a wealth of cultural landmarks, further enhancing its appeal to international tourists.
The hotel is part of a broader effort to promote Istanbul as a premier destination for global travelers. “A city’s cultural heritage and art scene are crucial to its tourism development,” Ersoy noted, emphasizing that the Turkish government and private sector stakeholders are committed to supporting projects that enhance Istanbul’s tourism and cultural sectors.
Bridging Istanbul’s Past and Future
The opening of Rixos Tersane Istanbul also represents a commitment to preserving and celebrating Istanbul’s rich history while incorporating modern luxury and sophistication. Ersoy mentioned that the city has significantly increased its accommodation capacity over the past 22 years, now boasting over 6,000 facilities with nearly 500,000 beds. This expansion is a testament to Istanbul’s growing reputation as a global tourism and cultural hub.
In his speech, Ersoy further elaborated on Istanbul’s growth: “From the Atatürk Cultural Center to the Istanbul Cinema Museum, Rami Library, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and Maiden’s Tower, we have restored and enriched Istanbul’s heritage while building its future. We continue to create new works and services to make Istanbul stronger and more developed for tomorrow.”
With its strategic location and multi-functional facilities, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is poised to attract a diverse audience, from international tourists to business travelers and culture enthusiasts. The hotel will serve as both a luxurious retreat and a cultural epicenter, hosting events, exhibitions, and performances that reflect the essence of Istanbul’s past and its vision for the future.
Ersoy concluded with optimism for the future, highlighting the extensive promotion and marketing efforts through the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and other channels. “We are promoting Istanbul on a global scale through various campaigns, ensuring the city’s allure reaches millions of people worldwide,” he said, noting that the “Istanbul is The New Cool” campaign alone has aired in over 200 countries, bringing Istanbul’s charm to the global stage.
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