KIEV, (Ukraine): A major event to capitalise on Ukraine's status as host of football
championship Euro 2012 will take place in Kiev on Monday (31 May). President
Viktor Yanukovych will meet with representatives of the global hotel industry
at a specially arranged international conference to outline the investment
incentives aimed at expanding the country's hospitality sector and
stimulating economic growth in a potentially huge market for tourism.
Vice Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov, head of National Agency 2012,
charged with delivering the tournament in Ukraine, said: "Ukraine's economic
growth and stability is back on track and Euro 2012 provides us with a
perfect opportunity to show the world how much we have to offer, from our
rich cultural heritage, to the natural beauty of the country itself.
"That President Yanukovych is personally leading our commitment to
deliver a world-class Euro 2012, and a lasting legacy beyond that, clearly
demonstrates the importance Ukraine places on delivering a secure environment
for investors. Together we look forward to making Ukraine a better place for
business; and that starts here through developing strong, viable
relationships with the world's leading hotel providers."
Ukraine, the second-largest country in Eastern Europe, already welcomes
over 20 million tourists each year and is expecting a major influx of new
visitors for Euro 2012. The government's attractive package sets out hotel
investment incentives including tax efficiencies, streamlined construction
permit procedures, and gaming licences.
The opportunity is significant. With some 500,000 visitors expected for
Euro 2012, the country's requirement for almost an additional 200,000 rooms
needs to be met. Euro 2012 - Long-term Investment Opportunities for Ukraine's
Hotel and Leisure Sector aims to attract hotel operators to join
international chains already established in Ukraine, a strategic market for
both the EU and CIS, as well as the Middle East.
The international conference will feature presentations on Ukraine's
infrastructure, tourist trade, sports facilities, tourism legacy, business
and economic environment with representatives from all relevant government
ministries, Euro 2012 host city mayors, Vice Prime Minister Kolesnikov and
President Yanukovych.
It is part of a comprehensive modernisation and economic reform
programme, energetically driven by the new government, with a determination
to improve Ukraine's investment climate and make the country more open to
business. In the near future the first tranche of this new legislation will
go before parliament to bring the reforms into law.
Michael Cooper, Vice President at InterContinental Hotel Group, added:
"The combination of Euro 2012 and the Ukraine's untapped tourist market makes
the country increasingly attractive for the international hotel sector. We
already have one hotel in Kiev and two more planned which will give guests a
choice of quality branded hotels to stay in when they visit Ukraine."
Euro 2012 - Long-term Investment Opportunities for Ukraine's Hotel and
Leisure Sector will take place at the InterContinental Hotel, Kiev.
