Bansko, 26 February 2019 – For the sixth year, the best winter resort in Bulgaria had the honour of hosting World Ski Cup 2019 races. During the last weekend of February, the men's championship in alpine skiing disciplines was held – alpine combination, Super G and giant slalom – and this year, Bansko celebrates the tenth anniversary of its first global household. The resort is among the five ski resorts in the world, together with Beaver Creek, Kitzbühel, Wengen and Soldeu, which are hosting the World Cup for more than two days. There were 117 contestants from 22 nations, among whom all the current world champions from Åre 2019 competed on the slopes above Banderishka Polyana. The event was attended by over 150 media representatives from over ten countries, and the main press centre was, by tradition, in the fully renovated Olympia conference room of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko. The leader in the season's general standings, Marcel Hirscher, Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, French star Alexis Pinturault, Frenchman Thomas Fanara and Slovenian Stefan Hadalin are the finalists of the world ski competition in Bansko. Albert Popov, the favourite of the Bulgarian audience, finished 32nd and stayed just a step away from the second round in the giant slalom.
As one of the main partners of the Bansko World Cup 2019, the five-star hotel was once again at the epicentre of events. Bulgaria's Best Ski Hotel, as awarded by World Ski Awards, welcomed many official guests and VIP guests, who arrived specifically for the biggest and most prestigious sports event of the year. During their stay at the hotel, they had the opportunity to taste Mediterranean specialities in the "Best gourmet restaurant in Bulgaria" – Come Prima; to experience authentic Asian dishes in the only Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki Grill in Bansko; and to immerse themselves in the party atmosphere of Piano Bar Sing Sing. The talented Asian chefs, headed by Executive Chef Trevor Portelli, demonstrated enviable skills in preparing sushi and during the lunches in the luxury VIP tent at Banderishka Polyana at 1,620 m above sea level. The hotel guests were also able to enjoy authentic Thai massages and indulge in complete relaxation and tranquillity in the fully renewed Kempinski The Spa, awarded as Bulgaria's Best Hotel Spa by World Spa Awards.
On Saturday 23 February, in the luxurious VIP tent on the ski slope, a charity gala dinner “Winter Legends” organised by Fibank (First Investment Bank) was held, which generated BGN 101,000 for the Bulgarian Sports Federation for Children and Young People at Risk, and Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko also added its contribution by providing a weekend accommodation voucher to the prize fund of the charity auction. From 22 to 24 February, the ski zone welcomed about 20,000 spectators in the competition area, and for the guests and residents of Bansko, besides the fan area, the organisers had prepared many more concerts and culinary events in the city centre.
For the next two years, Bansko will again host the Ski World Cup. On 25 and 26 January 2020, there will be two women's starts, and on 27 and 28 February 2021, two for men.
From March 1, 2021, Bansko will host the World Junior Alpine Skiing Championships as well. The team of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is already looking forward to the next household.
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About Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko: Being the only ski-in and ski-out hotel in the area, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located in the very heart of the most popular and vibrant winter resort in the Balkans – Bansko, right across from the Gondola lift station that gives access to 75 km of ski runs groomed at high international level, suitable for all skiers from complete beginners to advanced ones. The luxury hotel is the only international branded winter resort in this part of the Balkans and is open year-round. It features 157 Alpine-style rooms, including 25 suites and an exclusive Presidential Suite, fully renovated Kempinski The Spa with brand-new and unique thermal facilities, four conference rooms and eight restaurants and bars with spectacular views of the majestic Pirin Mountains. Graced with European flair, the hotel grants the ultimate Kempinski ski, gourmet and SPA experience.
About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now manages a portfolio of 76 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one is imbued with the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.
kempinski.com/bansko · kempinski.com/press · discoveryloyalty.com
Media contacts:
Emiliya Belcheva ▪ PR and Marketing Manager ▪
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko ▪ 96, Pirin Street ▪ 2770 Bansko ▪ Bulgaria
Tel. +359 749 88568 ▪ M +359 889 920030 ▪ emiliya.kordeva@kempinski.com