(Chevy Chase/Maryland, USA – September 12, 2012) The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced the brand’s first hotel in Tunisia. The Ritz-Carlton Tunis, Carthage is owned by Companie Tunisienne de Development Touristique (CTDT), a subsidiary of the Driss-Jenayah Group, and a pioneer group in hospitality.
Located in Carthage-Sidi Bou Said, a suburb of Tunisia’s capital city Tunis, the 129-suites resort is projected to open in late 2014. With interiors designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the hotel will offer seven food and beverage outlets, an expansive ballroom and destination spa. Ideally situated on the Mediterranean Sea, The Ritz-Carlton Tunis, Carthage offers an exclusive beachfront setting adjacent to the Presidential Palace and step away from Carthage’s ancient ruins. Tunis has a rich history evident in its many historical sites including the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising of ancient Islamic architecture including over 700 monuments.
“We are honored to have been selected by Companie Tunisienne de Development Touristique to manage this incredible property,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We believe this stunning destination with its rich history and diverse culture will offer our discerning guests a unique and exciting new location to explore when it opens late 2014.”
Mr. Omar Jenayah, Chief Executive Officer of Companie Tunisienne de Development Touristique, said “We are delighted to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in its first endeavour into Tunisia. The long and storied legacy of The Ritz-Carlton is well-suited to Tunisia’s own historical heritage.”
Asked about additional growth in the region for The Ritz-Carlton, Humler added, “We continue to explore other opportunities and destinations in the Middle East and Africa. With the right hotels in the right locations, I believe expansion in this region is an essential part of our future strategy.”
Companie Tunisienne de Development Touristique (CTDT), a subsidiary of the Driss-Jenayah Group, is a pioneer group in hospitality, financial services and healthcare, and also has several investments in manufacturing, airlines, agriculture and food processing. The Group owns a portfolio of hotels with more than 6000 rooms.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase (Maryland, USA), currently operates 74 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings which include The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong which will open as the highest hotel in the world. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333 , or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR)