The opening of the “Şamaxı Palace Platinum By Rixos” hotel was held in Shamakhi District

The opening of the “Şamaxı Palace Platinum By Rixos” hotel has been held in Shamakhi District.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The tremendous economic successes achieved in the economic, tourism, sport, culture, art and other fields in Azerbaijan, a country that acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia, have enhanced the interest not only of foreign businessmen but also tourists visiting our country. Fertile ground for this has been created by the implementation under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev of major tourism development projects in Azerbaijan.

The development of tourism as the leading non-oil sector is one of the top priorities in Azerbaijan. Currently, measures are taken to develop the country’s hotel business in accordance with world standards.

Thanks to the focused policies undertaken by President Ilham Aliyev today, Shamakhi and indeed all the regions of Azerbaijan are modernizing, while at the same time retaining their ancient and historical appearance. One of the steps taken in this direction has been the construction of the “Şamaxı Palace Platinum By Rixos” hotel, which began in the district in 2011. The increase in the number of such facilities in the country both demonstrates the economic potential of Azerbaijan and also promotes the influx of tourists into the country. “Şamaxı Palace Platinum By Rixos” is an important tourist site not only for Shamakhi but also for the entire region. The hotel complex has a perfect infrastructure and is expected to, open up opportunities for top-class accommodation of visitors to Shamakhi, a district noted for its great tourism potential.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hotel.

The chairman of the board of the “Rixos” hotel chain, Fattah Tamince, informed President Ilham Aliyev about the hotel complex. It was noted that the hotel, built on an area of 43,370 square meters, would provide a variety of high-quality services. The hotel complex has been built in an interesting architectural style. The building represents a synthesis of avant-garde and classical elements of architecture, while original furniture and accessories are used in its interior.
It was brought to the attention of the President that the hotel staff had undergone advanced training and most of its workers are local personnel.

The hotel complex also operates a 200-seat conference hall, which is well suited for a variety of meetings and conferences, and a network of modern restaurants. The restaurants will offer tourists dishes of Azerbaijani and world cuisine.

The President reviewed the hotel rooms. It was indicated that rooms of different categories meet the latest requirements and are beautifully designed.

The hotel also has ample opportunities for the recreation of kids. There are many recreational and sports areas for them.

Visitors can also use a billiard room and a bowling alley, a swimming pool, fitness equipment and modern sports facilities. Some of the services on offer are free of charge.

After reviewing the hotel complex, the President met with the staff.

Congratulating the hotel team, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning.

Greetings! It is a remarkable day in Shamakhi District today. Such a beautiful and stately hotel, “Şamaxı Palace”, is opening in Shamakhi. I heartily congratulate you on this wonderful occasion.

This is really a palace, i.e. the hotel looks like a palace. Its appearance, interior design and, of course, comfort are at the highest level. The highest standards are applied here, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there are wonderful opportunities for recreation. Such a global company as Rixos will provide services here. This is a third hotel operated by Rixos in Azerbaijan. Earlier I also attended the opening of a fine hotel in Guba. “Rixos” operates in Naftalan and now in Shamakhi.

This in itself is an indicator because it is a sign of confidence in Azerbaijan’s development. Azerbaijan is developing. All sectors are developing, including tourism. The increase in the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan in recent years and the opening of new hotels demonstrate the dynamic development of our country. In the future we will deal with the development of the non-oil sector even more seriously and comprehensively develop our country – both from an economic and regional perspective.

As you know, several five-star hotels were opened in Baku in the last two to three years. These hotels represent the most prestigious hotel chains of the world. Four Seasons, Fairmont, Marriott, Hilton, Kempinski, Jumeirah, Sheraton, Hyatt – so there are eight of the world’s leading hotel brands in one city, in the city of Baku. We can see this only in the most developed cities of the world. New hotels are also built. Currently the "Intourist" hotel is under construction in Baku. This is also a very significant event. In the 1950-1960s, "Intourist" was the best known hotel in Baku. After a new "Intourist" was built, it became known as the old "Intourist". Then, unfortunately, it was demolished and another building was constructed in its place. But "Intourist" hotel always lives in the memories of the people of Baku.

I am very pleased that we are currently restoring this historical justice. The "Intourist" hotel is being built. It will be called "Intourist". It is built near the former "Intourist". It commands panoramic views of the sea and is located behind the new boulevard. At the same time, a large new hotel is under construction in the opposite direction of the boulevard – on the "White City" boulevard. Thus, the number of five-star hotels in Baku will reach at least 10. In other words, the launch of 10 five-star hotels in a matter of a few years shows how rapidly our country is developing.

There is an increasing number of tourists and visitors, and all the guests, at least the foreign guests meeting with me, are of a very high opinion of Baku and Azerbaijan. They admire the development of Azerbaijan and the beauty of Baku.

Last month, we commissioned a new terminal at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. It is also one of the most beautiful airport terminals of the world. From the point of view of its appearance, design, interior and decoration, it is at the highest level. So this tourist and transport infrastructure allows us the opportunity to rapidly develop this sector.

I am even more pleased with the fact that modern hotels are currently built in the regions. In the north-western region, in Shamakhi, this is the second hotel. Another one is under construction. Gabala city has already become a center of tourism in Azerbaijan. There is an international airport and four to five luxury hotels. Shaki is our ancient city. There are hotels there too. In the north, in Guba, there is a Rixos hotel. There is a large golf course where it is possible to conduct world championships. There is a center for winter and summer tourism "Shahdag". There are already three hotels there - "Shahdag", "Peak Palace" and "Zirve", and the fourth is under construction. In Gusar and Gabala Districts there are ski resorts. These have never been present in Azerbaijan before. So tourism is one the fastest growing industries in Azerbaijan today. This is also acknowledged by international institutions. The World Tourism Organization praises the work done in Azerbaijan.

Our country is very beautiful and rich. Our nature, air and climate are our greatest assets. At the same time, Azerbaijan has historically been famous for its healing places. Among them I want to note Naftalan. There is also a Rixos hotel there. We are restoring the former glory of Naftalan. In Soviet times, 50-60 thousand people visited Naftalan every year.

In the early years of independence, Azerbaijan was subjected to Armenian occupation. Those hotels and sanatoria accommodated our IDPs. We have now built new homes and settlements for them. They have moved to beautiful places.

Now a medical center is under construction in Naftalan. The “Chinar”, “Rixos” hotels, as well as "Karabakh", which is under construction, will be showcasing Naftalan in the world as a center of tourism, recreation and treatment.

Just have a look at how many tourism centers there are in our relatively small country. Baku offers seaside recreation.

There are Gusar and Gabala ski resorts, Shamakhi and Naftalan. We must also add Galaalti here. In Soviet times Galaalti was also an all-Union resort. Its healing water is of very high quality. A new and beautiful hotel is under construction in Galaalti now.

Of course, this is consistent with our long-term strategy because the investment made in this area is investment into the long-term future of Azerbaijan. If investors were not confident, they would not have invested a single manat in Azerbaijan.

Both local and foreign investors show great interest in the tourism and hotel sector, so our country is known worldwide as a center of tourism today.

This was precisely our goal. Azerbaijan is better known thanks to its oil and gas. But I also want Azerbaijan to be known for its beauty and comfort, and to become as a center of tourism. There are all possibilities to do that – such a beautiful nature, wonderful air, talented people, the stability and security in our country. Azerbaijan is one of the safest countries of the world. Baku is also the safest city. Of course, the longer this development, the richer the people will become and the more developed our country will get. Azerbaijan will always follow the path of development. Stability, confidence in the future and the correct policy will precondition Azerbaijan’s development today.

It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan has been the fastest growing country in the world from an economic standpoint over the last 10 years. The establishment of such a beautiful and majestic hotel in Shamakhi is certainly a very significant event. Shamakhi is developing. I was in Shamakhi last year. Last year saw a very significant event for our history and for the preservation of our national values. The Shamakhi Juma Mosque, which was built in 743 and is considered one of the oldest mosques in Azerbaijan and the Muslim world, was reopened after major restoration. This is a contribution we have made to our history, religion , customs and traditions. It was our moral duty.

National values and modernity form a unity in our country. This is the core of our success. We are building a modern state on deep moral roots, and such beautiful hotels are a small part of the work being done.

You will be working here. I am told that many visitors want to come here now. There are applications. Of course, you will hold high the Rixos brand, provide excellent services and do excellent work for our country.

I congratulate you and wish you further success.

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Then a picture was taken.

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Extensive building work has been carried out around the hotel. A 200-seat amphitheater has been built for the organization of performances and various entertainment programs. In addition, there are tennis, soccer, basketball and volleyball courts and a mini-golf course.

The services offered by the “Şamaxı Palace Platinum By Rixos” hotel also include the organization of nature walks and mountain biking.