Turkish luxury hospitality group Rixos Hotels has announced plans to open three new hotels in Egypt's popular tourist destination, Hurghada. The new ultra-all-inclusive resorts, which will be located in Makadi Bay, Magawish, and Sahl Hasheesh, are slated to open its doors toward the end of the year. Commenting on the occasion, Erkan Yildirim, board member and managing director of Rixos Hotels Egypt, said: “With the opening of the three new resorts, we will have a combined total of 2,000 rooms in Hurghada alone. We have had keen interest in this emerging area which is not only a sight to behold, but is also easily accessible for tourists from all around the world. With the availability of direct flights, and Hurghada's close proximity to Cairo, this destination is unmatched in convenience and splendour.” The company expects to grow its current footprint by 150 per cent with the addition of two new hotels in Marsa Alam and Cairo, and more than 10,000 rooms by the end of 2023. Currently operating three properties in Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Hotels plans to enter new areas in Egypt as a part of its development pipeline. In 2019, the company is on track to open Rixos Makadi Bay, Rixos Magawish, and Rixos Sahl Hasheesh. Cenk Ünverdi, general manager at Rixos Premium Dubai and Rixos The Palm Dubai, commented: "New and established markets across Egypt continue to present us with immense opportunities to further enhance and diversify our portfolio in the country." The hotelier aims to leverage the global trade platform Arabian Travel Market (ATM), being held in Dubai from April 28 to May 1, to announce the opening of the new properties in Sahl Hasheesh, Magawish, and Makadi Bay in Hurghada, while also showcasing its existing properties in Egypt, namely Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Premium Seagate, and Rixos Alamein. Yildirim and his delegation will also be promoting Rixos Hotels' hospitality services to travellers from the Middles East, Asia, Europe and abroad, aiming to increase their sales and global market share. Yildirim said: "Rixos Hotels' expansion comes at the right time. Over the last 12 months, Egypt's tourism industry has witnessed healthy and steady growth, with arrivals up 14.5 per cent from 8.3 million in 2017 to 9.5 million in 2018. Growth has been fuelled by the cheaper Egyptian Pound and government incentives for charter airlines operating international flights.” Arrivals from the Middle East to Egypt are expected to increase 50 per cent from 1.49 million in 2018 to 2.23 million in 2022 with visitors from Saudi Arabia driving this growth, according to data published ahead of the Arabian Travel Market 2019. Moreover, studies conducted by Colliers indicate that Egypt's total tourism revenue will increase by16.5% between 2018 and 2022 – even outperforming the business segment. "Egypt has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for global luxury travellers, and the Rixos brand is synonymous with timeless ultra-all-inclusive experiences and impeccable standards of hospitality. We are delighted to add the new Hurghada properties to Rixos Hotels' strong luxury portfolio in the market. The resorts will represent the very best of the Rixos brand, with its distinctive design, exquisite fine dining and truly exceptional service," Yildirim noted. Source: Trade Arabia
