Turkish delights WHEN Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, Egypt's second largest, received the first regular flight by Turkish Airlines between Istanbul and Sharm El-Sheikh, Minister of Tourism Hisham Zazou declared: “The sky is the limit for our future with Turkey.” The same sentiment was shared by Turkish Ambassador to Cairo Huseyin Avni Bostali, who said: “Our prospects are growing in tangent. We are two great civilisations and have what it takes to be the centre of attraction for the whole world.” The launch on 9 October was also attended by Deputy Turkish Minister for Transport and Communication Yehia Bash, in addition to other Turkish officials and businessmen. Egypt and Turkey share 500 years of history since Egypt was under Ottoman rule, which manifested in many similarities in various aspects of daily life such as cuisine, music, customs and even common words in each language like. These include kitab (book), qalam (pen), bornos (bathrobe) and booya (paint). A new passion is also overtaking Egyptians, namely growing fans of Turkish soap operas that delight Egyptian audiences and consequently giving more insight into contemporary Turkish society and its diversity. Since the Turkish drama is dubbed in the Syrian dialect it is easier for Egyptians to follow. It began with the acclaimed series Nour with male protagonist Mohannad (played by actor Kivanc Tatlitug), who is now considered Prince Charming for many Egyptian girls. There is also the Turkish epic Hareem Al-Sultan (The Sultan's Harem). Turkey is a top shopping destination for Egyptians because of its proximity, high quality of textiles and reasonable prices compared to Europe. Turkey's unique geographical location, as a Eurasian country located in Western Asia with the East Thrace in Southeastern Europe, allows it to cater for all tastes. “For those who say that we are competitors in the tourism market, I'm telling them that Egypt and Turkey complement each other more than compete,” Avni said. This month, another milestone was set on the path of cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, a virgin direct flight by Turkish Airlines between Hurghada in the Red Sea governorate and Istanbul. This is key in linking Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada to 203 cities around the world. Zazou explained that through Istanbul Egypt attracts tourists from other markets. “We rank 85th for the European market which will increase the number of tourists bound to Egypt from the Turkish and the European market,” he said. On his flight back from Istanbul to Sharm El-Sheikh, the minister revealed that 10,000 seats on Turkish Airlines were already sold, of which 50 per cent were from the Turkish market.
New Hilton frontier ANOTHER Hilton Worldwide hotel is planned to open in Alexandria next year, bringing the number up to 19 in Egypt alone. The new 158-room Hilton Alexandria Corniche, a conversion property, is the fruit of a management agreement signed with Delta for Tourism and Hotels Company. The new hotel will enjoy a prime location and imposing presence in Alexandria's most upscale district on the city's Corniche. Surrounded by stylish residences and stunning views of the beachfront and Mediterranean Sea, the property will feature two large function rooms, four meeting rooms, a business centre, three restaurants, two of which will be specialty, and two bars. Leisure facilities will include a health club and spa, private beach and an outdoor pool. Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East and Africa said: “I am thrilled we continue to build on our important legacy in Egypt, a country we have served for more than 50 years.” Jagersbacher added that Alexandria is “a vibrant city with a strong business and tourism sector and our new hotel… will perfectly complement the facilities at our existing city-based hotel in Alexandria.” Known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean' and Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria enjoys a rich and proud heritage dating back to 331 BC when Alexander the Great founded the city. Alexandria's status as a beacon of culture and civilisation was symbolised at the time by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse which became one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the city is a beacon to industry, commerce and tourism attracting a mix of business, leisure and cultural travellers. “Our portfolio of properties in Egypt incorporates many styles and offerings, but all share the well-defined, distinctive hallmarks of top quality facilities and high standards of service,” stated Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels and Resorts. “Hilton Alexandria Corniche will perfectly combine these style and service attributes to create a premium experience for both leisure and business travellers.” Tarek El-Sayed, chairman of owners of Delta for Tourism and Hotels, explained: “We wanted to collaborate with an internationally recognised brand to match our ambition to provide world-class hotel facilities. Hilton Worldwide has the experience and the reputation and was our natural first choice to operate this landmark property.” New management VETERAN hotelier Hartmut Noack was appointed new general manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh, bringing with him a wealth of expertise cultivated over more than 20 years in hotel management in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. A German national, Noack is now responsible for all operations and sales of the 320-room beachfront resort located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Before going to Sharm El-Sheikh, he was the general manager of the 288-room Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. Noack began his hotel career at Hilton Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey in 1983 as an executive sous chef and worked his way to executive chef and director of food and beverage at Hilton hotels in Turkey and Sri Lanka and Shangri La Rasa Sayang Resort, Penang, Malaysia. This was followed by consecutive leadership roles including executive assistant manager at Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn Hotels, and was later appointed general manager at several international chain hotels including Intercontinental Astana, Kazakhstan, Ramada Hotel Dubai, UAE, Hanoi Horison Hotel, Vietnam, Excelsior-Creek Hotel, Dubai, UAE, and Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Pakistan.
School makeover A DAY of painting, maintenance and some fun along the way at Taba Heights School was sponsored by Taba Heights Marriott Red Sea Resort as part of the international chain's Global Customer Appreciation Week (GCAW). GCAW embraces and supports local communities, thanks customers who support the Marriott every year, as well as suppliers and top accounts. This year's motto ‘We open the door to a world of possibilities' inspired the team at the Taba Marriott to give back to the local community. This year's initiative was to visit the local school and assist with much-need maintenance and repair tasks. Teams from the hotel management and engineering department volunteered their time and painted the lunch area bright yellow and blue, to replace an institutional white and bring some fun and enjoyment to the space. Air conditioning units were fixed, IT support was provided to the administration offices and essential playground maintenance was also performed. The food and beverage team also provided a chocolate cake to be shared among students and teachers. “It is essential that we take care of our local communities and show support by giving something back,” stated General Manager Brian Nourollahi, “especially at a local school where, after all, children are the customers of the future.”
Holidays in style THE CHRISTMAS spirit of joy and excitement for the holidays has arrived at Sheraton Miramar Resort, offering unrivalled dining experiences, elegant entertainment and decorations that will transport guests to the genuine warmth of Christmas and New Year throughout the resort. With a unique Christmas and New Year programme, mouthwatering dishes are served varying from regional to Italian cuisine in a splendid atmosphere with amazing views of the sea or the pool. Miramar Restaurant serves delicious international buffets, while Orient 1001 offers authentic Arabic dishes, and the finest Italian delicacies are served at La Piscina.
At the palace ENJOY a royal Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve at Cairo Marriott with special lunch and dinner buffets at Roy's Country Kitchen. Meanwhile, Ristorante Tuscany, JW's Steakhouse and Saraya Gallery will serve set menus in an elegant tranquil atmosphere this festive season. On New Year's Eve, enjoy a delicious dinner and special Egyptian food along with celebratory entertainment with the band and belly dancer at Egyptian Nights. There will be a special dinner set menu at Harry's Pub to the tunes of a live band and DJ. Santa Claus chocolate cookies, Christmas cake, “turkey to go” and other holiday treats will be available at the Bakery starting 1 December.
Nile-side dazzle A SPECTACULAR view of the Nile makes for extra special Christmas and New Year celebrations at Grand Nile Tower. A unique festive atmosphere offers an array of dining options with delicious Christmas specialty dishes. Guests can choose from bountiful buffets and à la carte menu at Fontana restaurant and Marquise yacht with a live band. In addition, the special menu at the Revolving Restaurant is a uniquely elegant ambiance while enjoying the dramatic backdrop of Cairo's nightscape. To satisfy every craving, there is a variety of authentic cuisines such as sushi and teppanyaki at Okashi; fresh and sumptuous seafood delicacies at La Dorada; original zesty Italian favourites at La Famiglia; rich and spicy Indian specialties at Chingari; and a mouth-watering oriental menu at the Nubian Village.
