Hotel management giant Rotana has announced the signing of its first agreement in Iskenderun, Turkey, with Rhossos Tourism and Hospitality.

The deal will see the leading hotel management company take over the running of the city resort 300-room Rhossos Rotana Resort & Serviced Apartments.

Strategically located in Iskenderun, the commercial centre of the heritage rich Hatay region, the hotel will be the first Rotana property to be managed in Turkey.

The hotel is expected to open in 2014 and will feature a 200 metre private beach front, a Turkish spa and health club, a business centre, large wedding and banqueting facilities, swimming pool and a variety of food and beverage outlets.

In addition to the hotel and serviced apartments, the property will include a high-end retail destination, complementing the needs of the vibrant local community as well as leisure and business visitors.

As a commercial and industrial key port city, Iskenderun attracts high numbers of visitors and overseas business travellers, particularly those from the industrial sectors.

Tourist numbers in the Hatay region are also rising, with travellers seeking out the regions natural and cultural attractions including the Mediterranean sea-side, the mountainous landscape, and significant historical and religious landmarks including the rock-carved Church of St. Peter, known as the first church in the world.

Selim El Zyr, Rotana president, said: “Turkey has always been a very important market for Rotana and we aim to manage hotels in key locations within the country, marking our entry with the landmark Rhossos Rotana Iskenderun property.

“We are proud to have been chosen to manage this new jewel and our team is very excited about the opportunity to be working in Turkey.

“We are confident that we will introduce a new dimension of hospitality in the country.”

Rotana is considered the Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards.