Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, is cementing its leadership position on Egypt's Red Sea Riviera after signing a management agreement for a Mövenpick resort in the fast-growing city of Marsa Alam. The group has partnered with Port Ghalib Resort Company, a subsidiary of the privately owned conglomerate, Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi Group and Sons Company (MAK Group) through MAK Investments Holding the group's investment arm in Egypt, to operate the 350-key Mövenpick Port Ghalib as part of the phase 1 prestigious $2 billion Port Ghalib mixed-used waterfront development on the Red Sea's western shore. The development will consist of 3 phases, and upon completion Port Ghalib will span 30 million sqm. When it opens in 2022, it will be the fifth Mövenpick property on Egypt's Riviera, growing Accor's presence in the increasingly popular holiday destination to 12 properties across four brands. Strategically located next to Marsa Alam International Airport and the centerpiece of the city's flagship integrated resort community on 18km of pristine shoreline, Mövenpick Port Ghalib is expected to become the resort of choice for guests from key Red Sea source markets, primarily the GCC, Europe and CIS countries, as well as holidaying Egyptians. "Accor's partnership with the renowned MAK Group provides us with an exceptional opportunity to be part of a landmark Red Sea development and paves the way for similar collaborations in strategic locations across Egypt," said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East and Africa. "Given Mövenpick's strong brand awareness and success in the region, appealing to the country's major tourism source markets and demographics, particularly families and groups, it is the right fit for this stunning project." Hussam Al Kharafi, chairman of MAK Investments Holding, which also owns the fast-expanding Marsa Alam International Airport, added: "The Port Ghalib development aims to put Marsa Alam on the map as a leading Red Sea destination, giving the economy a boost and creating thousands of jobs. Through our partnership with Accor, which has proven expertise operating leading resorts across Egypt, we will set a new benchmark for integrated resort communities in the region." With 350 rooms and suites; seven F&B venues including two specialty restaurants, an all-day dining outlet, a pool restaurant and bar, lounge bar and lobby lounge; a large spa and fitness facility featuring a gym and five treatment rooms; as well as a swimming pool, kids' club, diving center and several shops, Mövenpick Port Ghalib is expected to become Marsa Alam's most sought-after leisure and dining destination for travellers and local residents. The property will also feature 1,000 sqm of meeting and event space, catering to Egypt's expanding MICE market, with local companies, as well as groups from the Middle East and Europe increasingly choosing the Red Sea for its value-for-money accommodation, world-class facilities and year-round sunshine. The Port Ghalib project will boost Marsa Alam's credentials as the place to stage corporate meetings and events, with key components with a, golf course and waterpark in the plan, including water sports, an operational marina harbour with a 1,000-yacht capacity and diving facilities. Residential and retail areas, as well as a hospital and language school are also planned. Accor is the leading hotel operator in Egypt with 25 properties (8,338 keys) and eight boats (405 keys) and more than 20 hotels (7,372 rooms) in the pipeline. They include the 1,636-key Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay mega resort on Egypt's Red Sea Riviera, which is on track to open this year. — SG
