A general view of Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort

BELEK, Turkey: Antalya's hotel industry has re-invented itself over the last few years to accommodate the demands of a fast-growing tourism sector in the region, incorporating luxury five-star amenities that capture the attention of the rich and famous.

Karnak International Travel & Tourism, in association with Turkish Airlines and Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, Belek hosted a B2B workshop at the hotel in which topmost luxury hotels in Antalya met with travel industry experts and the media representatives from the Gulf region. Members of the FAM trip delegation from Kuwait also got an opportunity to interact with the professionals of the hospitality industry in Antalya.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the workshop, Sardar Mashahdani of Karnak International, briefed the media about the growing tourism industry in Antalya.

Tourism is the backbone of Antalya's economy as it hosts 35 percent of the total number of tourists coming to Turkey. Nearly 6-7 million tourists visit Antalya a year as it attracts visitors throughout the year and an increasing number of hotels remain open all year round.

According to one estimate, a record 12.5 million tourists passed through Antalya in 2014 which is the host city of EXPO 2016. Antalya is home to more than 340 properties with more than 30 five-star luxury hotels in the Belek region itself.

Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort

An 11-minute walk from Carya Golf Club, Regnum Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, a luxury, all-inclusive golf resort is 10 km from Troy Aqua water park in Belek-Antalya. The members of the FAM trip delegation from Kuwait were hosted for a three-night stay at Regnum.

This newest luxurious hotel property in Belek and opened in 2014, Regnum has a total of 538 elegantly appointed rooms, suites and villas. The hotel features furnished balconies and marble bathrooms and the bright, contemporary rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and minibars with sea views. Suites offer whirlpool tubs, living rooms and private butler service.

Meals are provided in five gourmet restaurants. Other amenities include a gym, a posh spa, and indoor and outdoor pools, plus tennis courts, a football school and a private beach with a pier. The hotel is affiliated with two golf courses.

One of the most striking features of the hotels in Antalya probably is that they serve food and beverages to their guests 24 hours free of charge. "It is our customized service concept. Once you check in, you will be offered a total package and all your needs will be taken care," said an executive at the Regnum.

Rixos World, the Land of Legends

Turkey's first integrated leisure and entertainment park, the Land of Legends by Rixos World Parks & Entertainment, is all set to open its doors to guests in July. Touted to be Europe's largest theme park, The Land of Legends will be a first-of-its-kind destination located in Belek, Antalya.

"This is an initiative that brings together Rixos Hotels and Dragone, creators of world class experimental events, representing a brand new concept in the field of multi-sensory experiences," said Veronika Uzer, sales manager, Rixos Land of Legends .

According to Uzer, original awe-inspiring characters will bring Dragone's universe to life in the most legendary way giving families and children the chance to experience an innovative and unforgettable new world.

Rixos Premium Belek

Located 50km away from Antalya and 40km from airport, Rixos Premium Belek resort is stretching over 405.000 sqm of Calabrian pine and pistachio tree forests with more than 1 km long warm sunny beach. The resort is built in magnificent natural settings that reveal the spellbinding beauty of the Belek region. Rixos Premium Belek has opened its doors and welcomed its first guest in 2005.

By Sajeev K Peter