Portorož/Trieste, 14 Oktober 2019 – Again this year, Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož and MK Group teamed up as partners in the project Go to Barcolana with the world’s largest regatta Barkolana which brings together the world’s top sailors. By doing so, MK Group has given a full commitment to the strategic partnership in the field of tourism development throughout the region. More than 60 boats from all over Europe and over 500 participants have gathered in front of Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož to participate in Go to Barcolana regatta and the winners of this competition were presented with valuable prizes.
Kai Behrens, General Manager of Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož, said that Barcolana 51 represents one of the most prestigious regattas in the world when it comes to sailing, adding that he is proud that Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož is a part of this prestigious event for the second year in a row: “Sailing regatta Go to Barcolana by Kempinski and MK Group deserves maximum support because it contributes, not only to the promotion of Slovenian sailing and sports, but it also contributes to increased visitor attendance of Portorož itself, more tourists, better image of this destination and thus to the development of tourism in Slovenia”.
The start line of Go to Barcolana regatta was in front of Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož and the official promoter of the regatta was Vasilij Žbogar, one of the most successful Slovenian sailors and the winner of a number of Olympic medals.
“MK Group, as one of the leading hotel companies in the region, actively contributes to the development of Slovenian tourism by making Portorož one of the most prestigious tourist resorts in this part of the Adriatic”, said Jelena Baronik on behalf of MK Group, adding that MK Group’s strategic commitment is to support local communities and events in order to make destinations in which the group’s hotels operate more recognizable and more attractive to tourists. This is one of the reasons why MK Group and Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož brought Go to Barcolana sailing regatta to Portorož again this year”. In addition, Mrs. Baronik has also confirmed MK Group’s strategic commitment to Portorož Airport: “The Airport is one of the pillars of development, above all of Portorož as a tourist destination, but also of tourism on the Slovenian and the entire Istrian coast. Having this in mind, it is planned to expand the runway which is necessary for establishing the new air connections, i.e. better flight connectivity of this destination. The process is in progress and MK Group with all the owners of Portorož Airport are hoping for a positive response from the competent institutions”, said Mrs. Baronik.
Igor Novel, Director of Tourist Organization Portorož, emphasized how important it is to have the support of MK Group to the local community and Portorož itself: „Hotel Kempinski Palace Portrož, owned by MK Group, is a member of Tourist Organization Portorož and actively participates in the destination’s development projects. We support MK Group’s decision to sponsor Go to Barcolana sailing regatta because supporting sailing tourism, as part of the development of sports and luxury tourism, is one of the main points of our development strategy”, said Novel.
Let us remind you that MK Group is majority and minority owner of 14 hotels in Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, as well as Portorož Airport and a golf course in Savudrija. The cooperation with renowned global brands such as Kempinski and Sheraton is of particular importance for MK Group’s Tourism Division.
About Hotel Kepminski Palace Portorož
Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož is located in an exclusive area in a protected landscaped park in the heart of Portorož. This superior five-star hotel was opened in 2008. It personifies the unique combination of traditional and modern design conceptualized by French designer Jean-Claude Laville. The hotel proudly presents its 181 superior rooms and suites, 1,500 m2 spa center, six conference rooms, a unique Crystal Hall and its own park. It also offers its guests two à la carte restaurants Sophia and Fleur de Sel, with an innovative food and beverage concept. Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož has been a part of MK Group since 2015.
