The company MK Group is also present in the field of tourism through exclusive hotels in the best locations, and over time you expanded your business to the real estate sector.
Are there plans for a new tourist complex?
‒ The expertise we have in the hotel business was the basis for expansion in the real estate sector, through premium tourism projects. The newest of them is Petram Resort & Residences in Croatia, which opens its doors to guests in July. We realized this investment, worth more than 100 million euros, together with the company Aleksandar Group. The complex covers over 84,000 square meters in Savudrija, in the Croatian part of Istria, and has 55 villas and an apartment hotel with 179 apartments. What sets Petram apart is the longest infinity rooftop pool in Europe, 105 meters long, which is also the second longest in the world.
With each of our projects, we want to raise the level of superior service, because special and personalized visitor experiences are certainly the future of the entire tourism industry. Petram offers top services and facilities, and innovation is always something we focus on and strive for. I am sure that visitors from the region, but also from all over Europe and the world, will enjoy this tourist complex, which we created on the principles of green construction and sustainability, with the use of renewable energy sources.
In addition to opening a real estate complex in Istria, do you also plan to invest in Kempinski hotels, which you also have in this part of the Adriatic coast?
‒ Yes, and for our hotels Kempinski Adriatic, in Croatia, and Kempinski Palace Portorož, in Slovenia, we are planning investments in the improvement of services and new hotel facilities. We want to develop Istria as one of the destinations of the future, where we bring world trends and the best practices of the luxury hotel industry. We believe that our capital investments have a positive effect on Savudrija and Portorož, but also more broadly on Istria, which we see as a destination with a lot of potential. Its nature, opportunities for recreation and sports, gastronomic and wine tourism – really offer the possibility of this being a destination that lives all year round. Let’s not forget that golfers from all over the world come to Savudrija for our golf course.
With new investments of 14 million euros in Kempinski Adriatic, in its facilities, contents and services, as well as new accommodation facilities for employees, we will ensure its prestigious status, as well as the sustainable development of tourism. Kempinski Adriatic is one of the first hotels on the Adriatic coast that uses solar panels for electricity production. On the other hand, the Kempinski Palace Portorož hotel is one of the symbols of Slovenian tourism. Investments of 4.5 million euros are aimed at improving the space of the magnificent traditional wing, while at the same time we will introduce innovations in hotel facilities and services in order to meet all the needs and expectations of modern guests.
Of course, we should not forget our hotels in Serbia – Grand Kopaonik and Sheraton Novi Sad. At Sheraton, we continue to invest in the expansion of congress facilities in order to remain the best hotel in Vojvodina and beyond. We are also proud of the Grand Hotel; I will remind you that last year we completed a large investment cycle and the construction of the Grand Residences apartment wing.
Are you planning other investments in the region that are not only related to the tourism sector?
‒ Of course, but when we’re already talking about tourism, it’s hard to bypass the “Portoroz” Airport, in which we will invest seven million euros by 2025. We wish to write a new page in the history of air traffic in these areas, based on the principles of sustainability. Our development plans will transform Portorož Airport into a green airport with zero waste, its own solar power plant and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Along with the new passenger terminal, digitalization of services is also planned. There is also Forum Metalka, in Slovenia, from which, thanks to an investment of 10 million euros, we want to create the most modern office space on 10,000 square meters in the center of Ljubljana. As you can see, in the jubilee year MK Group will invest in all the countries of the region where it operates.
It Is more than clear that there are many reasons to celebrate at MK Group. Does this mean that, in addition to these imposing investments, you are not worried about all the challenges that companies are exposed to today?
‒ I often like to say that changes are the only constant today. We live and work in a time of intense events, where there are no more peaceful periods. Only fast, agile and efficient systems can survive. We at MK Group view all challenges as opportunities and chances and react accordingly. These 40 years of successful business of MK Group are proof that the company grew on the basis of sustainable development and with care for employees, but also for the wider community. Our history is proof that we have successfully overcome all challenges and that is why today we celebrate the future, because we believe that the best is yet to come.
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