Press release -
Karpaz Gate Marina Managing Director Liza Singer Hands Over Inspiring Leadership Legacy to Local Hotelier Arkin Group
Karpaz Gate Marina Resort, a luxury boutique development on the Karpaz Peninsula recognised as one of the most significant and transformational touristic investments in the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), enters a new phase in its pioneering success story with the announcement of a change of management.
Effective from 4 September 2024, Managing Director Liza Singer will step down, after overseeing all aspects of the project since 2005 and inspiring its evolution from ambitious and visionary concept into the reality of today’s unique nautical retreat and award-winning marina.
The management of the independently-owned resort, with hotel, spa, beach club, corporate facilities and Platinum standard marina and technical centre for yachts and superyachts, will transfer to North Cyprus-based tourism, high-end hospitality and yachting sector specialist Arkin Group, with Singer remaining involved on a consultancy basis.
Backed by almost 30 years’ experience in hotel management in the TRNC as well as other international business ventures, Arkin Group is perfectly positioned to maintain a leadership strategy at Karpaz Gate Marina which prioritises exceptional standards and sustainable operations, with a focus on support for the local community and sensitivity for the natural surroundings.
Arkin Group, led by company founder Erbil Arkin, was established in 1995 and took its first steps into the hospitality industry with The Arkin Colony Hotel, in Kyrenia, followed by the opening of The Arkin Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta. The latest addition, in 2022, is The Arkin Iskele Hotel, marking the conglomerate’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.
The group diversified into the yacht tourism field and is the owner of Arkin Pruva Yachts, a builder of innovative motor and sailing yachts, including two new electric solar catamaran eco models.
In 2017, Arkin Group moved into the education sector with the opening of ARUCAD, the Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design – a thematic art university that is wholly dedicated to the fields of art, design and communication.
Qualified lawyer and CPA, MBA and investment manager Singer joined with late British entrepreneur David Lewis CBE when the Karpaz Gate Marina project was first initiated in 2004, continuing to act as the Owner’s Representative and Managing Director of the €120 million project.
During almost two decades at the helm, Singer led the design, development, construction and operation through various stages of expansion, including the 2021 opening of the nautical-themed 52-room hotel and leisure facilities. During these challenging years, Singer managed the introduction of the region’s first modern yacht marina to the international sailing community, and led the resort’s predominantly local team of staff to achieve the highest international award of 5 Gold Anchor Platinum status by the UK’s The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), as well as the 2023 Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina of the Year award.
Liza Singer said: “It has been a great privilege to establish a company and operation in a remote region with such special political and social circumstances. I had the honour of accomplishing the dream of a great visionary and it has been fulfilling and gratifying to witness the positive impact of our resort on the surrounding area and its contribution to the economy in one of the TRNC’s most deprived areas. I leave my role as Managing Director with pride that the marina and resort has made a real difference, putting the region on the map for the global sailing community and bringing international guests to the Karpaz peninsula by land and sea.
“While I will be moving on to the next adventure and to focus on other business concerns, I am delighted to be handing over the management of Karpaz Gate Marina to a company with relevant expertise, local knowledge and exceptional synergies with our ethos and mission. Arkin Group is a leader within the tourism and hotel sector in North Cyprus, appreciates our unique offering and also shares and understands the eco-friendly approach at the heart of our operations.
“I will continue to be involved as a consultant and I am confident there will be a smooth leadership transition which will ensure an exciting future for the resort – as a ground-breaking touristic development in the TRNC, as an exceptional place for local people to work and as a special destination for international guests.”
Expanding its portfolio with the Karpaz Gate Marina Resort, Arkin Group will capitalise on its hotel management and yachting sector expertise, while affirming its commitment to the region’s people and the growth of tourism.
Erbil Arkin, Arkin Group’s founder and Chairman, added: “We have monitored the growth and success of Karpaz Gate Marina with great interest in recent years, so we had no doubts about accepting this exceptional opportunity which complements our current hotel range perfectly.
“As a local company, Arkin Group can fully appreciate and support the resort’s history in employing 97 per cent local people, the benefits for the local community and its privileged location in an area of natural beauty on the Karpaz Peninsula.
“The synergies between the companies are significant. Arkin Group bring years of experience in luxury hotel management in the TRNC, as well as knowledge of the international tourism sector, to the management of Karpaz Gate Marina. We can utilise our expertise from the yachting aspects of our business with Arkin Pruva, in relation to Karpaz Gate Marina’s berthing services, dry dock and technical centre. In addition, Arkin Pruva’s new OCEAN ECO 60 and 90 electric solar catamarans have direct parallels to the resort’s commitment to sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions.
“While maintaining the emphasis on smart and sustainable practices, and the benefits for the local community, we will prioritise the highest standards in all operations.
“We pay tribute to Liza Singer’s dedication and work to establish the resort, and look forward to ensuring Karpaz Gate Marina continues to be a welcoming, memorable destination for international guests and sailors.”
Karpaz Gate Marina Resort, nestled in its own private bay, features a 52-key hotel overlooking the international marina. There is a promenade area with outlets including: Hemingway's Resto-Bar, offering traditional and international cuisine; a Beach Club, with its sandy beach and outdoor infinity pool, beach restaurant and bar; hamam/spa; The Gallery, overlooking the marina and promenade with indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym and meeting rooms, and a multi-function studio. The spectacular setting and facilities position Karpaz Gate Marina as an idyllic location for intimate holidays, peaceful retreats, special occasions, business meetings and gatherings. The hotel represents Singer’s vision to provide travellers by land the opportunity to relax in the beautiful nautical surroundings, reflecting the experience of being onboard a luxury superyacht.
Ends
For further press information, contact:
Karpaz Gate Marina
Office Tel: +90 533 833 7878
E: info@karpazbay.com
www.karpazbay.com
Charlotte Bulloch, Saltwater Stone
Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244
E: c.bulloch@saltwater-stone.com
www.saltwater-stone.com
Arkin Group
Tel: +90 (0) 392 650 1111
www.arkingroup.com
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About Karpaz Gate Marina Resort
Our Vision: Karpaz Gate Marina’s mission is to introducethe less travelled areas of the Eastern Mediterranean to lead the development of this region to create a unique Home, Haven and Heaven on Earth for guests by land and sea.
To achieve the high standards required and to be able to realize our vision, we recognize the importance of upholding the dedication and commitment of our well-trained, motivated and enthusiastic team of employees.
We are committed to making a difference, both for all of our clients as well as for our local community in the remote and beautiful area of the Karpaz.
We are Different, Better, Special.
- Location: the northern shore of the Karpaz Peninsula in North Cyprus, 20nm west of Cape Andreas and 48nm east of Girne (N35 33.5’ E34 13.6’)
- Awards: Karpaz Gate Marina was named The Yacht Harbour Association’s (TYHA) International Marina of the Year Runner-up in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and the 2017 International Marina of the Year Winner; TYHA’s rating of 5 Gold Anchors Platinum accreditation was received in 2023 as well as ICOMIA Clean Marina standard since 2013
- Berths: 300 accommodating up to 60m vessels, including 15 berths for superyachts
- Berth services: power and fresh water available for every berth; TV connection; high speed Wi-Fi to all areas of the marina
- Security: 24/7 CCTV and security personnel throughout the marina as well as access control and access cards for each marina area
- Boat Yard: 18,000 square metres of dry storage area, with modern and fully-equipped workshops and a 300-ton travel lift accommodating yachts with a beam up to 10m. Services include: yacht painting, carpentry, hull repairs, anti-fouling (including Coppercoat application), polishing and varnishing, teak work, engine and reduction gear servicing, rudder system servicing, navigation equipment servicing, electrical works
- Fuel: Euro diesel and gasoline available
- Duty Free status:includes duty-free prices on fuel, technical services and supplies, as well as berthing fees
- Yacht Club: boat owner and crew meeting place with lounge, kitchen, play area, meeting room
- Yacht Charter:sailing yachts and motorboats available for full and half day trips
- RYA Training Centre:Ocean Yachting RYA Training Centre offers theory and practical courses
- Port of Entry:marina office provides full assistance with clearance procedures
- Group membership:ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG); ‘Destinations’, a network of exclusive marinas established by ART Marine Marinas
- Contact: Marina Office on VHF Channel 10 ‘Karpaz Gate Marina’. The marina also listens on Channel 16
- Cruising locations: there are miles of sandy beaches, coves and bays along the north east coast of Northern Cyprus, with Famagusta (67nm) and Girne (48nm) a short sail away. The nearby southern Turkish coastline includes the harbours of Alanya, Antalya, Marmaris and Bodrum. In just under 300 nautical miles it is possible to reach Rhodes, gateway to the Greek Islands
- 2024 offers*: packages include a free haul out, hull wash and anti-fouling application with 21 days hard standing for annual berth holders; Easy Come Easy Go ‘Freezing Option’ to suspend annual contract; Flexible packages to berth in water or dry dock; Technical Package; Discounts for renewing clients *Terms and Conditions apply
- Hotel: on-site boutique Karpaz Gate Marina Hotel featuring nautical design, with 52 cabins, each with terrace or balcony views, including 44x32sqm Standard Cabins, 4x58sqm Family Corner Cabins, 4x58sqm Corner Suite Cabins
- The Gallery: 20m indoor pool, jacuzzi and gym are exclusively available for marina and hotel clients; 2 x corporate meeting rooms with tables, chairs, audio and visual equipment
- Hamam and Spa: treatment rooms, saunas and tradition hamam
- Beach Club: with 33m Infinity pool, watersports centre providing kayaks and SUPs, private beach with cabanas, children’s pool and play area, restaurant and bar
- Hemingway’s Resto-Bar: serves international and traditional cuisine all day on the promenade
- Fitness studio: for pilates, yoga and other classes
- Events and occasions:music events, weddings, parties, business meetings
- Shore services:on-site mini-market, chandlery, laundry room, international currency ATM
- Concierge: airport transfers and border pass assistance, transportation around the island, tours, activities, car rental, all personal assistance
- Freshwater: produced on site
- Pollution controls: waste water collection and treatment plant; solid waste collection stations; bilge water collection service; waste engine oil collection stations; independent desalination plant on site
- Sustainability: solar plan, recycling, on-site vegetable and herb garden, green house and nursery
- Hotel and activity packages include: Golf & Relaxation; Gourmet; Wellness; Sail; Pilates, Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat
- North Cyprus sites and attractions include: Karpaz National Park, Golden Beach, St Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento Castles, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, the ruins of Agia Trias Basilica (Siphai Village), the Ancient City of Salamis, Famagusta old city, Kyrenia (Girne) old harbour, Kyenia Castle and the Shipwreck Museum, Nicosia (Lefkosa) old city, Alagadi Turtle Beach, Bellapais Village and Abbey, Five Finger Mountains and Ayios Philon Church. An abundance of shops and restaurants and interesting attractions are available at the main hubs of Famagusta (Gazimağusa), Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and Girne (Kyrenia).
Karpaz Gate Marina won the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina of the Year in Sept 2023; booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2023; three LUXLife awards, a Restaurant Guru award for Hemingway’s and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award
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About Arkin Group
As Arkin Group, we took our first steps into the hospitality industry with The Arkın Colony Hotel, in Kyrenia; our first hotel in Cyprus. The following years saw the group expanding its contribution to North Cyprus tourism by opening the Arkin Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta, a hotel with an unprecedented quality and vision on the island.
Thanks to our successful growth graph, led by company founder, Erbil Arkin, the group moved into the tourism and yachting sectors as well as hotel management. This was followed, in 2017, with a move into the education sector with the opening of ARUCAD, the Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design. This is a thematic art university that is wholly dedicated to the fields of art, design and communication.
In addition to our existing ventures, we proudly introduced The Arkin Iskele Hotel, in 2022 marking our continued commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry. The Arkin Iskele Hotel represents another significant milestone in our journey, combining luxury, comfort, and a unique experience for our guests.
With our 25 years of experience, we have continued our activities is tourism and other sectors with our successful business ventures in Europe, South America and the Middle East.
Visit the Arkin Group website at www.arkingroup.com.
