REGIONAL PROFILE

Hilton Heliopolis , Cairo

Kevin Toolis , Guardian newspaper terrorism expert and BAFTA-winning producer of films about North African terrorism , says “ systemic economic problems , corruption and political instability prevent tourism investment . The threat is much more difficult to deal with than terrorism itself . Although isolated incidents still exist , I believe the high point of Islamic terrorism has passed and deliberate acts against Westerners have diminished with ISIS ’ defeat . So overall , things are more positive .”

Harper says a strong pipeline indicates confidence in Egypt ’ s resilience , with 43 new branded hotels comprising 13,636 guest rooms , the most of any African country . STR reports 2018 brought the highest Q1 occupancy since 2010 , with anticipated increases now that flights from Russia have resumed .

Olivier Harnisch , CEO of Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group , says the latest reports indicate this period ’ s tourism revenues were double those of Q1 2017 . He says electronic visas are improving tourist access , which bodes well as Emaar develops its fourth Egyptian property , Al Alamein Hotel .

Ward stresses the importance of investment incentives in order to create jobs for Egypt ’ s high rate of population growth , while Langdon says Mövenpick sees increased government provision for tourism , with greater infrastructure investments and support for new North Coast and Sahl Hasheesh destinations . In 2018 the brand will open Mövenpick Resort El Ein Bay , its second coastal property in El Sokhna .

Egypt ’ s long-term vision includes the creation of additional cities , notably a new administrative capital with an international airport , a theme park larger than Disneyland , over 40,000 hotel rooms and a central business district financed and built by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation . New Alamein City on the Mediterranean is expected to have 25,000 guest rooms including three new hotels from Marriott , the country ’ s largest operator .

Marriott regional chief Kyriakidis says the company will debut Egypt ’ s first St . Regis later this year and plans an eco-friendly , extended-stay Element property . Sharm el-Sheikh will host the country ’ s second Ritz-Carlton in 2024 , and a 1,400-room Four Seasons is scheduled to open Q3 2019 . The February 2017 opening of Hilton Heliopolis marked the sixth Cairo property for the brand , which will also open Egypt ’ s first Waldorf Astoria by year-end .

36 hotelsmag . com September 2018