The opening of Kempinski Hotel-Badamdar complex has been held in Baku.

The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughters Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva.

Those attending the ceremony warmly welcomed the head of state, his wife and family members.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva.

President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon marking the opening of the complex.

It was indicated that the construction of such a grand facility as the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex in the capital was yet another vivid example of the great goals Azerbaijan has set itself. The hotel complex will provide a wide range of quality services and is a unique architectural masterpiece of international level. The facility is further evidence of human intellectual potential, the inexhaustible and boundless wealth of creativity. The luxury hotel is built in accordance with the standards of the Kempinski hotel group which has a special reputation in both Europe and worldwide. Established in Berlin in 1897, the Kempinski hotel group, headquartered in Geneva, has founded the world’s largest hotel organization – the International Alliance of Hotels. The Kempinski hotel group owns 65 five-star hotels in 28 countries. Both Kempinski-Badamdar and other hotels of this international network in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia have an individual style, offer high quality and a wide range of services. Compliance of the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex with the highest standards in this area has been achieved thanks to the fact that construction of this facility was implemented by a company with more than a century of experience in building the richest historical hotels, city and resort luxury hotels and residencies in different countries around the world.

It was stated that the interest of such an internationally reputed company in Azerbaijan was explained by the favorable investment environment in the country for both local and foreign businesses. Azerbaijan, which aims to further strengthen its standing among developed countries of the world, has already become a venue for the most prestigious international events. In addition, the republic, which is paying special attention to the development of the non-oil sector, is speeding up the development of tourism. These and other realities necessitate expansion of the country’s hotel business to a qualitatively new level. The Azerbaijani state is now taking comprehensive measures in this regard. The construction of the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex is an important step in this direction.

It was indicated that built in Mikail Mushfig Street in the Yasamal district of the capital, the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex covers an area of 2.5 hectares. The total area of the complex, which was built in three stages, is 84,000 square meters. Extensive landscaping has been carried out on the area, various ornamental trees and shrubs planted and green areas created. The complex has a perfect infrastructure and is equipped to the latest standard.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex would also operate as a recreation center. Such facilities are found only in the most developed countries and offer business people, tourists and guests the broadest range of services. The hotel is about 30 km from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. It has beautiful design, which combines modern and national styles in architecture. The caring attitude of the Azerbaijani state towards national and spiritual values and the rich heritage of our people was one of the key criteria taken into account during construction of the complex. Construction was carried out by the Gilan Inshaat LLC for Gilan LLC.

It was noted that there would be offices and shops on the first floor of the hotel. There are also three meeting rooms where business people can hold various activities. On the 14th floor of the complex there are rooms meeting the highest standards. The presidential suite is on this floor. It will provide top-quality services existing in the hospitality industry. Rooms are fitted with all the conditions for recreation. Hotel restaurants can meet even the most exacting tastes. There is a wide range of breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the menu. Along with national dishes, the restaurants will also offer delicious meals of the best-known international cuisines.

President Ilham Aliyev and his family were informed that the SPA and health center of the hotel complex was also modern. The total area of the center, which has ideal conditions, is 3,500 square meters. There will also be a Turkish bath here. The indoor swimming pool is 21 meters long and 12 meters wide. All recreation areas have vitamin bars. Besides providing free service to guests, the SPA and health center has the conditions for anyone to be able to take advantage of the existing opportunities. Those who wish to relax in the center can use the various services for a fee.

It was mentioned that the center has 25 rooms in which various types of massage are available. There is also a VIP-massage room. The Japanese garden in the center produces a fantastic impression. The melodious music and the sound of water create a special mood. Different fish species in the eight-meter one-piece tank were brought from Japan. The services provided in the SPA and health center of the Kempinski-Badamdar hotel complex will create a good mood and enable visitors to have enjoyable rest.

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Congratulating the ceremony participants, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning!

Let me sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the Kempinski hotel. This is a truly major event. A hotel of the world-famous Kempinski hotel chain is now opening in Baku. The hotel is beautiful and has top-level conditions.

The launch of a Kempinski hotel in Azerbaijan is a remarkable event because these hotels hold an important place among hotels around the world. At the same time, the opening of Kempinski in Baku is an indicator of Azerbaijan’s development. Our city is developing, new hotels are opening. The attention and interest of investors in the Azerbaijani economy, the service sector in particular, are of course very gratifying.

I am very pleased that such a beautiful and luxury hotel is starting to operate in Baku. It will lend further beauty to our city. I am very pleased that the appearance of the hotel is beautiful and its interior finishing is at the highest level. The rooms, public areas, restaurants, entertainment facilities, recreation lounges – everything is at the highest level.

This year has been declared the Year of Tourism in Azerbaijan. And it is not surprising, because a lot of attention is being paid to the development of tourism. I believe that the tourism sector will hold an important place in Azerbaijan’s economy in the coming years. Tourism plays a major role in the economies of developed countries, especially the ones that have a beautiful nature. Azerbaijan is a rich country with great places for the development of tourism, and we must harness these opportunities.

Beautiful and modern hotels and tourism facilities are opening up in all our districts now. Of course, the best hotels are starting to operate in Baku. Six five-star hotels will be opened in Baku this year alone. And Kempinski Badamdar has been the first of them.

This in itself is an excellent indicator. The launch of six internationally renowned five-star hotels in one city over the course of one year shows that Azerbaijan is developing rapidly, that the country's service sector is growing. In previous years, 10-15 years ago, investor interest in Azerbaijan was limited to the energy sector. And it was probably natural. The infrastructure, the public transport were not up to the standard in Azerbaijan then. In general, the development of our independent country was in the early stages. Today, at the current stage of development, the investment made in the service sector is of particular importance. I believe that this work will progress further in all areas in the coming years.

Baku is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is not only our opinion, it is confirmed by visitors of our city. Beautiful cities should have excellent conditions to receive guests. The conditions here meet international standards. I think this hotel will stand out among other Kempinski hotels for its beauty and functionality. I am also aware of Kempinski’s other plans in relation to Azerbaijan. There may be new initiatives in both Baku and other cities of Azerbaijan. In any case, the launch of this hotel will give a strong impetus to the hospitality industry in Azerbaijan.

Foreign investment is securely protected in Azerbaijan. This is ensured by national legislation, this is the policy of the country. Let me repeat that both local and foreign investment is properly protected in Azerbaijan. This is exactly why Azerbaijan has been the CIS leader for direct foreign investment per capita for many years. Around $16 billion was invested in the Azerbaijani economy last year alone. I think the investment will further increase this year, thus new opportunities will emerge for a comprehensive development of Azerbaijan.

The construction and launch of this fine hotel is a momentous event. Of course, people coming here should be served well. And that will depend on the professionalism of the hotel staff. I am sure this hotel will provide the services worthy of its name and the guests will enjoy their stay.

I want to specifically welcome the President of the Kempinski hotel chain in Europe, who has come to Azerbaijan to attend this ceremony. I want to salute all the guests. Let me heartily congratulate you on the opening of this beautiful hotel again. Thank you.

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The President of the Kempinski hotel network in Europe, Gianni van Daalen, thanked the head of state for attending the opening ceremony and expressed hope for a further development of relations with Azerbaijan.

Then President Ilham Aliyev left a note in the guestbook of the hotel complex.

The hotel complex staff had their picture taken with the head of state and his family members.

While touring the building housing apartments and offices, President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the 14-storey structure had 37 apartments for those who want to have rest with their families. The apartments are fitted with all the necessary household appliances. The halls for receptions, meetings and concerts, meeting and office rooms are also equipped to the latest standard.

The three-storey shopping and entertainment section of the Kempinski Hotel-Badamdar complex, which has shops, meets the highest requirements. The head of state reviewed the photos describing the work to be carried out at the fourth stage of the complex construction.

President Ilham Aliyev and his family members watched the performance of sportsmen on the skating rink.

The head of state expressed his satisfaction with the work done.