CAIRO: Literally glittering with lights, the Sofitel El Gezirah was officially inaugurated on Oct. 24. Accor CEO Gilles Pelisson along with the CEO of Sofitel Worldwide Yann Caillere, Chairman of EGHTC Sherif Maghraby and the hotel's General Manager Dino Van Eeckhaut welcomed over 1,500 distinguished guests to the lavish event. Also honoring the opening of the newly branded hotel were Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and Minister of Tourism Zoheir Garana as well as ambassadors, Cairo governor, prominent businessmen and celebrities. From the trendy Buddha Bar to the traditional Kebabgy and fine French Le Vendôme, guests discovered the vast and diverse offerings of this landmark hotel, designed around three distinct worlds. Traditional local flavors, international flare and a French touch are prominently showcased in the elegant design of the indoor and outdoor venues. Blending the three worlds and striking a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, elegance and comfort, the Sofitel El Gezirah made a strong first impression. "The Sofitel El Gezirah is a flagship in Egypt and the Middle East. This inauguration has been an exclusive premier of its competitive quality and an experience that is par excellence. It's befitting that after 26 years in Egypt, Accor celebrate our long friendship and the birth of a new generation for Sofitel and its bright future in such a brilliant setting, said Accor CEO Pelisson. "Our uncompromising objective is to be the first luxury international hotel chain with a unique European feel. We want our guests to experience l'art de vivre à la française. This hotel bears the ethos of Sofitel, which respects the style and language of local culture while contributing its own French accent, said Caillere. On the evening of the long anticipated grand opening, the Cairo landmark announced its official arrival with glittering lights and a breathtaking fireworks display. The elegance, creative vision and refined taste marking the inaugural party heralded this exciting addition to the deluxe five-star hospitality industry. At the tip of an island in the Nile, the Sofitel El Gezirah is protected from the noise of the city. Its central location relative to the sites of Giza and culture of Old Cairo makes it an ideal base for the discerning traveler and international business interests. Its circular shape ensures that every one of its 433 rooms and 50 suites has an unparalleled 360-degree panorama. "Our values are a passion for excellence - ensuring the highest level of service, the pleasure of implementation - providing a chilled atmosphere, and the spirit of openness, which can be seen in our local touches to the hotel. I think our French flare is a perfect fit for Egypt and the region, said General Manager Dino Van Eeckhaut.
