Karpaz Gate Marina Managing Director Liza Singer hands over leadership legacy to Arkin Group

Liza Singer hands over management of Karpaz Gate Marina to Arkin Group after almost 20 years at the helm © Karpaz Gate Marina

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.