H E Mr.
Zoheir Garranah, Egyptian Minister of
A dopting with Marriott Interna-
tional “Spirit to Serve” Initiatives
, Renaissance Golden View Beach Re-
sort, Sharm El Sheikh team has per-
formed with great enthusiasm several
clean up campaigns at ‘Ras Mohamed
National Park.
B albaa Group will at-
tend the WTM in
London to promote its
unique properties in
Sharm and Marsa Alam.
Its Chairman, Mr. Ahmed
Balbaa will be there with
his team.
A lexandria has witnessed a big
jump in the last few years as
one of the important tourist attrac-
tions in Egypt, read more in-
side.
Tourism asserted in his word to the 2008 annu-
al congress of the American travel agents which was
held in Cairo that the United States of America and
Egypt have very strong economic and political rela-
tions which is evident in the increase on the number of
American tourists came to Egypt in 2007 at 20 % more
that 2006.
While pointing out that the congresses held annually
are considered a tool that reflexes previous achieve-
ments as well as showing future challenges, he asserted
that Egypt as a tourist destination is one of the impor-
tant destinations in the world and has numerous attrac-
tive elements but it has to defy the existing challenges
such as preserving its tourist position under the tough
competition and the recent world economic crisis.
The Minister also explained that despite the recent
circumstances that affects the world economy, there is
still a glimpse of hope represented in the strength of the
US dollar which is making Egypt the favorable choice
for investment.
He stressed that the American tourist shall always
find Egypt a worthwhile center for his investment since
his gains and profits are assured. Mr. Garannah men-
tioned the great change Egypt has witnessed lately, spe-
cially in tourism infrastructure.
million annual passengers.
It will be equipped with the lat-
est state-of-the-art technology
for smooth immigration with 5
biometric immigration gates
planned.
Le Méridien Cairo Airport is
scheduled to open in 2010. Lo-
cated at Terminal 3, it will be the
only hotel with direct access to
Cairo International Airport ter-
minals.
The hotel will boast 350 guest
rooms, a 24-hour restaurant,
specialty restaurant, coffee bar,
lobby bar, lounge, fitness centre,
C airo International Airport - Ter-
minal 3 is expected to be fully
operational by the beginning of 2009.
the two terminals by a bridge. and swimming pool.
The access roads will be redesigned The business centre, ballroom,
and parking lots will be relocated. and six meeting rooms will cov-
The new terminal will be located ad- With the opening of Terminal 3, the er an area of approximately 750
jacent to Terminal 2 and connecting airport’s capacity will double to 22 square meters of meeting space.
2 FIRST PAGE
From editor’s desk...
H
E Mr. Zoheir Garannah, Egyptian Minister of
Tourism asserted in his word to the 2008 annu-
al congress of the American travel agents which was
held in Cairo that the United States of America and
Egypt have very strong economic and political rela-
tions which is evident in the increase on the number
of American tourists came to Egypt in 2007 at 20 %
more that 2006.
While pointing out that the congresses held an-
nually are considered a tool that reflexes previous
achievements as well as showing future challenges,
he asserted that Egypt as a tourist destination is one
of the important destinations in the world and has
numerous attractive elements but it has to defy the
existing challenges such as preserving its tourist po-
sition under the tough competition and the recent
world economic crisis.
The Minister also explained that despite the recent
circumstances that affects the world economy, there
is still a glimpse of hope represented in the strength
of the US dollar which is making Egypt the favorable
choice for investment. He stressed that the American
tourist shall always find Egypt a worthwhile center
for his investment since his gains and profits are as-
sured. Mr. Garannah mentioned the great change
Egypt has witnessed lately, specially in tourism in-
frastructure, explaining that Egypt in 1982 had ho-
tel capacity of only 18 thousand rooms while by the
end of this year it shall reach 211 thousand rooms in
addition to 156 thousand rooms under construction,
this, by all means, proves that Egypt enjoys the high-
est growth rate in the region.
The Minister further said that his Ministry gives a
lot of care to the training of tourism sector staff and
the advancement of their professionalism in order to
render the tourists the best service there is; and in
this domain he referred to the cooperation with the
American side in the field of tourist training special-
ly with the American Hotels Institution in order to
greaten the tourist prospects and potentialities and to
increase Egypt’s share of the world tourism market.
He finally assured the unity of all efforts to put Egypt
atop of all tourist destination while pointing out that
the Egyptian Tourist Authority is spending millions
of dollars on marketing and promotion campaigns in
addition to programs aiming at spreading the aware-
ness of tourism among the Egyptian people, and up-
grading the Ministry’s website to be displayed in 11
languages, and furthermore, strengthening the rela-
tions with the international travel agents and airlines
which are considered the most important partners in
achieving the success of tourism industry.
Aouelwafa Badour
JAZ HOTELS & RESORTS HOSTS
ITS ANNUAL AWARDS PARTY
Honoring the Top Producing Travel Agents in Egypt, JAZ Hotels &
Resorts hosted its Annual Awards party at the Imperial Boat
H
osted by Mr. Hamed El Chiaty, Chairman
and CEO of Travco Group International, the
holding company of JAZ Hotels and Resorts, the
event witnessed a gathering of a bevy of tourism
gurus who enjoyed the hospitality of the JAZ Ho-
tels & Resorts in a remarkable setting and a brisk
ambiance.
Ms. Tania El Chiaty, e-commerce manager of
JAZ Hotels and Resorts, handed out the awards to
the top producers where Travco came in the first
place followed by South Sinai, Natural Blu Tours,
Bright Sky, Midland, Abanoub, MTS, Welcome,
Regency, and Expedia – all of which received
awards for generating the most tourist arrivals to
the group of hotels in the year 2007.
In his speech André Mühlemann, general direc-
tor & owner’s representative
Hotels & Resorts division, thanked the award
winning agents for their support and trust in the
World Tourism Day at the Semiramis InterContinental
S
emiramis InterContinental hosted
recently a photo exhibition orga-
nized by Ayam Masria in celebration
of World Tourism Day.
The exhibition showed nostalgic
photos of different touristic places in
Egypt.
September 27 is celebrated by the
World Tourism Organization as
World Tourism Day since 1980.
The purpose of this day is to display
awareness that tourism is vital to the
international community and to show
how it affects the social, cultural,
political and economic values world-
wide.
September 27 is important since on
that day in 1970, the Statutes of the
World Tourism Organization were
adopted. The adoption of the stat-
utes is considered to be a milestone in
global tourism.
Travel World Magazine
company and its brands, elaborating, “your valued
contribution is an important factor in our growth,
allowing us to stand out as the largest hotel chain
in Egypt,” he says.
Since the beginning, the group’s diverse portfo-
lio of hotels and resorts has continued to appeal
to all travelers whatever their requirements or
budgets are. Each of its resorts offer high quality
service, modern–day amenities and a full range of
recreational options that in addition to the afford-
able all-inclusive holidays offered at most of the
resorts.
JAZ boasts a portfolio of 34 hotels and resorts
in the most exotic destinations in Egypt, Jordan
and the UAE, with further property expansions
in Muscat, Oman. Further plans include 17 new
properties for a total capacity exceeding 13,700
owned and managed guest rooms.
November 2008 WTM - London
Travel World Magazine NEWS 3
RENAISSANCE SHARM EL SHEIKH SERVES THE COMMUNITY
A
Sharm El Sheikh, October, 2008 –
dopting with Marriott International “Spirit to Serve” Ini-
tiatives , Renaissance Golden View Beach Resort, Sharm El
Sheikh team has performed with great enthusiasm several clean
up campaigns at ‘Ras Mohamed National Park ‘ in addition to
their exerted efforts in turning several spots to green by planting
trees and grass at ‘Fanar and Monument’ areas. Yet there is a
way long for the Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh ‘Spirit to serve
agenda to be done.
“Our commitment to serve the community and the environment
is coming on the top of our priority list at Renaissance Sharm
El Sheikh .By giving associates the opportunity to give back to
their local areas, we carry on our company’s long history and
deep commitment to commu-
nity involvement. We want to
help make Sharm El Sheikh ,
and every community where
Marriott operates, a better
place to live and work.” Said
by Gerald Moutt, the General
Manager
Photo Shows: Gerald Moutt
, the General Manager
And Renaissance team
during one of their clean up
campaign to ‘Ras Mohamed -
National Park’ clean up cam-
paign .
Terminal 3 and a fully operational
Egypt Actively Looks at
by the beginning of 2009 Climate Change Solutions
E
gypt is set to host a conference on climate
change and solutions for the tourism indus-
try.
A UNWTO and Ministry of Tourism initiative,
in cooperation with the Egyptian Tourism Fed-
eration, the Solutions for Climate Change con-
ference, is scheduled to take place on the 23 and
24 November 2008, in Sharm El Sheikh.
A panel of environmental experts, still to be
announced, will be discussing various measures
to save the environment and explore ways to
find practical solutions for the problem of cli-
mate change, its effect on the tourism sector
and vice versa.
Top of the list are; problems of vehicle emis-
sion and economical driving, how to best pre-
serve the underwater world, and what hotels
can do to become more ‘green’.
Heading preparations, Hisham Zaazou, First
Assistant to the Minister of Tourism says “Tour-
ists are now considering climate conditions and
eco-friendly environments as a determining
C
factor in their choice of destination. Egypt’s
airo International Airport - Terminal 3 is ex- Le Méridien Cairo Airport is scheduled to open
participation in this conference not only shows
pected to be fully operational by the beginning in 2010. Located at Terminal 3, it will be the only
that we are aware of this fact, it also reiterates
of 2009. The new terminal will be located adjacent hotel with direct access to Cairo International
that we are deeply concerned with environmen-
to Terminal 2 and connecting the two terminals by Airport terminals.
tal issues and are very keen on finding solutions
a bridge. The access roads will be redesigned and The hotel will boast 350 guest rooms, a 24-hour
to this problem.”
parking lots will be relocated. restaurant, specialty restaurant, coffee bar, lobby
A Technical Committee and a Logistics Com-
With the opening of Terminal 3, the airport’s ca- bar, lounge, fitness centre, and swimming pool.
mittee have been planning necessary conference
pacity will double to 22 million annual passengers. The business centre, ballroom, and six meeting
rooms will cover an area of approximately 750
arrangements for the last few weeks and key-
It will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art
square meters of meeting space. note speakers will be announced in October.
technology for smooth immigration with 5 bio-
metric immigration gates planned.
November 2008 WTM - London
 4 HOT NEWS Travel World Magazine

Balbaa Group to attend WTM to promote

its unique Resorts all over Egypt
Ahmed Balbaa, Chairman
Garden Resort with the Capacity of 278 combined and
320 chalets & Suites in the Calimera Habiba Marsa
Alam in addition to Abou Dabbab Diving Lodge in
Marsa Alam with 62 rooms with its special famous san-
dy beach in the Area and this is in addition to 50 hotel
apartments in the Palm project in Dubai .
Eng. Ahmed Balbaa, Chairman of Balbaa Group who
will head the Group’s said theB&G Hotels & Resorts
in Sharm & Marsa Alam : Our Resorts are a Mixture
of Elegance, Locations and luxury Rooms in order to
meet the needs of our valued guests to spend a memo-
rable vacation and plan to come back again after ex-
periencing our services and facilities we offer to them
with our special attention and care in order to meet all
their needs.
Saad Attia, Regional DSM
He also added that the newly opened El Hayat Sharm,
Mr. Attia said that he will continue to promote Sharm
and the Marsa Alam destination, and added that all
Balbaa properties has maintained a good images in the
international markets after the strong market plan he
set and executed during the last few month and through
out the international tourism fairs.
“Our professional marketing team will not leave any
chance to promote the unique resorts of Balbaa Group;
we did it before and we will do it again in WTM and in
all International big Tourism Events & Fairs to let the
whole world know about our Group and the variety of
facilities and services we provide our valued guests.”,
Said Mr. Attia.
It is worth Highlighting that the Balbaa Group for
Hotels & Resorts has a number of new projects un-
der construction and due to open within the upcom-

B albaa Group will attend the WTM in London to

promote the unique services and facilities of its Ho-
tels & Resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam.
Balbaa Group, which are considered one of the lead-
ing investors in tourism in Egypt, consists of 6 joint
stock companies working in tourist investment and de-
velopment projects. It owns and manages 8 Hotels and
Resorts in Sharm El Sheikh in South Sinai and the Red
Sea: Kahramana Sharm Resort in Neama Bay with
119 rooms, The Laguna Vista Beach Resort and Lagu-
na Garden Beach Resort with a capacity of 525 Rooms
combined and 288 Rooms in newly opened El Hayat
Sharm in Nabq Area in addition to Kahramana Marsa
Alam Beach Resort and the Kahramana Marsa Alam
had added quite a number of hotel rooms and over-
nights to Sharm capacity and helped, with its luxuri-
ous services and facilities, to encourage a lot of tourists
from all over the world to visit Sharm El Sheikh.
Mr. Saad Attia, the Regional Director of Sales & Mar-
keting in Balbaa Group, who will attend the WTM too,
will meet with the international tour operators and dis-
cuss with them the new plans for the coming seasons
and focus on ideals and projects to support them dur-
ing this coming winter after the Recession which has
hit the World Economy and exchange positive ideals to
implement to assure the continuation of their clients
who prefer Balbaa Group Resorts during their visit to
the Red Sea and South Sinai.
ing few years such as Kahramana Marsa Matrouh to
open summer 2009, 300 rooms Hotel in Ras El Khema
UAE to open 2010, Laguna Vista Real Estate project
in Sharm (302 units between Villas and Apartments)
to open 2010 and B&G Hotel Management company
in Dubai.
The Group’s total investment is LE 1.2 Billion with
2500 employees under the umbrella of B&G Group.
Eng. Ahmed Balbaa is known to be the Honorary Pres-
ident of Masa Alam city, for being the Pioneer of tour-
ism development in Marsa Alam and the first investor
to build a hotel in this unique area.

A quick interview with the GM of Sheraton Montazah

the high demand expected on traveling to the
city, do you think the present amount of hotels
is sufficient to meet expected demand?
You’re right, we have at present only 7 star
hotels, in addition to many 3 & 4 star hotels.
There is also a big project in process in the
north coast that will turn the area into a great
tourist zone. But still the short of hotels in the
city is a pain.
From your point of view: What do you think
can improve tourism to Alexandria? More ho-
tels , Tourist projects that include interna-
tional restaurants, cafés and entertainment projects on the corniche.
More specialized shopping arcades that include Ptolemaic & phaornic
products. Organize Egyptian nights that include folkloric shows, Mez-
mar & Tannoura. Improve Nuzha airport to be in line with adequate
international airports. Improve quality of service of the local taxi; new
uptodate taxi cars, educated drivers and taxies provided with speed me-
ters. Construct tunnels opposite hotels at the sea shore so as to provide
safe crossing to tourists. Increase people’s awareness about tourism and
its important role in developing their lives and general country income.
What do you do as a hotel to attract the guest? We tailor special pack-
ages in slow periods. We also organize plenty of events and parties that

T here is no doubt that Alexandria has lately witnessed a big jump in the last few years stand-
ing as one of the important tourist attractions in Egypt. It has started to draw the attention
of tour operators and travel agents as well as individual travelers to be included in their travel
plans and programs. Whilst I was recently in Alexandria and specifically staying at Sheraton
Montazah, I had an interesting conversation with Mr. Atef Wilson, General Manager of the Ho-
tel. I threw for him some of my concerns and questions about trends of tourism in the Mediter-
ranean city, upcoming foreseen projects, Hotel’s activities and latest news :
Is there a demand on Alexandria from the Arabs? Do you think can increase in the coming years?
Yes, there is a demand especially in summer season as we have plenty of sandy beaches, moderate
climate, shopping facilities and archeological sites. It can be improved by making more promo-
tion for Alexandria in the Arab countries (Media Campaign with special offers). Still Arabs – by
in large - prefer Cairo as their first destination. We need more efforts to change the Arabs’ trav-
eling attitudes and patterns. It has been observed the little No. of 5 star hotels in Alexandria. With
match all tastes. Examples are Lebanese night, Greek Night, Alexandri-
an Night, Black & White Night, Jungle Party, Sea Food Festival, Pasta
Promotion ...etc.
In addition, we organize special parties in Xmas, New Year, Valentine,
Easter and summer parties with singers during summer. We also have
weekly dancing competitions.
What is your latest news? We’ve fully renovated our rooms & suites
with brightly colored oak furniture, decorations, and wooden floors. We
lately introduced a new fitness facility including gym. Room, sauna and
massage. We also renovated our grand Tabia Ballroom and Caesar Bar.
In the coming few years there is a plan to enlarge the Lobby and con-
struct an extension to the hotel that will add more rooms and banquet-
ing facilities.
November 2008 WTM - London
 6 RESORTS
Flash Group and its news!
A
gain this year Flash Group has recon-
firmed its position among the top players
in the Egyptian Tourism industry.
At the same time last year Mrs. Bitta Hoff, the
company’s Vice President announced the launch
of a new category of Nile cruise boats, by intro-
ducing the first suite boat with just 20 units and a
very boutique style character to the existing fleet
of 5 star superior boats.
Having done so successfully a second boat of even
more up marked appearance will be launched by
the end of the year.
30 spacious and elegant suites and a la carte res-
taurant, an aperitif lounge, billiard and cigar cor-
ner, piano bar and a very well appointed sundeck
will secure the highest standards.
During a 7 nights Nile cruise from Luxor to Den-
dera and Aswan the staff on board of the M/S Ex-
cellence will make sure that the clients on board
will experience an unforgettable holiday experi-
ence.
Also from the 5 star superior range, the well
know Magic brand will be enlarged by welcoming
an additional “Magic Nile cruise” by next Sum-
mer.
A total of 5 Nile cruise boats make part of this
very well positioned brand on the Nile, offering
programs of 7,4 and 3 nights.
As most of their clients are visiting Egypt on a
package program combining culture and beach,
the logical development has been to cover as well
the destination of Hurghada, being already well
presented in Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq and in Mar-
sa Alam.
Mrs. Hoff explains: “We are happy to announce
the opening of the newest Flash International
property – the “Stella Makadi”, a beautiful 5*
beach resort with all the facilities our clients are
looking for while spending a week of holidays at
the Red Sea. The first phase will be opened the
middle of November 2008, and 600 units of dif-
ferent concepts will await our clients from Ger-
many and other parts of the world. The second
phase with additional 600 units will be following
in 2009.
FLASH International, is as well increasing their
room inventory in the destination of Marsa Alam,
where they are operating the 5 star resort “Tulip”
since several years, welcoming clients from all
over Europe.”
Mrs. Hoff is sharing further interesting news with
us by talking about some new niche market prod-
uct, that will be presented to the market soon.
“Having secured the groups position on all the
main destinations within Egypt, we thought to
push “the envelope” even further, the newest ac-
quisition is a beautiful wooden sailing cruiser
with 12 cabins, following the Turkish concept of a
“Gullet holiday”.
This precious boat will start sailing with our cli-
ents along the coast of the Red Sea as of January
2009, giving the aficionados of the sea the chance
to get to know the most beautiful spots along our
coast while enjoying the unspoiled underwater
world and the hospitality of our experienced staff
on board, taking care of them during this quite
unique sailing experience.
Being able to create new experiences for guests
visiting Egypt has always been our aim and by
moving into the desert we believe we are closing
a circle.
Now you can come to Egypt and we will be able
to serve you an unique combination of amazing ex-
periences: Nile cruising on board of a 5 star deluxe
suite boat, beach holidays in all main destinations,
sailing on the Red Sea and finally experiencing
the Egyptian desert by visiting our desert camps
of highest standard and positioned quite unique
in Kharga/Dush, Dakhla and Farafra Stay in one
of our luxurious camps and enjoy a unique desert
experience.
Desert in Style has been founded in cooperation
with International partners to create a new ap-
proach to the vast deserts of Egypt. You can have
a look under www.desertinstyle.com.eg
In order to secure that all these new investments
and developments will be a success new sources of
business have to be secured all the time.
After having opened a representation office in
China sending a regular amount of clients from
the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong to Egypt,
we just opened a similar office in New Delhi, India
in order to enter as well this developing market”.
Hoping the up turn of business to Egypt will con-
tinue after a great 2007 and 2008 Flash Group is
looking forward to an interesting future.
Travel World Magazine
Baron Resort Sharm El-
Sheikh; One of the most
popular hotels worldwide
O ffering Comfort in accommodation, Abun-
dance in facilities, Excellence in hospitality;
Gulet Hotelo – a leading Austrian tourism company
– has awarded Baron Resort Sharm El-Sheikh its
Gulet Hotelo Award 2008 for 2 consecutive years.
Baron Resort Sharm El-Sheikh has been selected
as one of the 100 most popular hotels worldwide.
Choice is based on the personal impression of thou-
sands of the company’s happiest and most satisfied
customers. Baron Resort Sharm el Sheikh’s success
crowns the tremendous effort exerted to meet the
guests’ expectations and beyond.
Baron Resort Sharm El-Sheikh, with its unique
style, provides its guests - couples or families - with
the most memorable holiday. The 5 star deluxe re-
sort features 360 rooms, suites and royal suites, with
a selection of soothing facilities tailored for the guest
desires. In addition, Baron Resort Sharm El-Sheikh
is surrounded by heavenly landscape, waterfalls and
the serene desert to complete the resort’s spark.
Baron Resort Sharm El-sheikh: A Haven for Plea-
sure and Business.
CHI Hotels to Operate
Twin Property in Sharm
M
alta based CHI Hotels & Resorts (formerly
Corinthia Hotels International) announced
the signing of a long term management agreement
with Cyrene Tourism Investment Corporation of
Egypt for the operation of two new upscale proper-
ties in the highly popular Egyptian resort of Sharm
el Sheikh. Both hotels will form part of a major re-
sort destination to be known as the Corinthia Beach
Resort.
The Corinthia Hotel will be a five-Star interna-
tional deluxe property located directly on a stun-
ning beach front in Montazah, Sharm El Sheikh.
The property is set to become operational in the last
quarter of 2009 and will offer 220 deluxe suites and
be fully supported with independent restaurants, a
club house and fully serviced beach operation and
outdoor pool.
The Tiran Island Hotel will be a 600 bedroom four-
star international hotel offering a broad selection of
luxury hotel rooms, residential suites and self-cater-
ing suites ideal for family occupation. Scheduled to
open in the first quarter of 2009, this quality four-
star operation will offer a wide range of restaurants,
entertainment, bars, Spa, outside pools and exten-
sive conference and meeting facilities to suit confer-
ence tourism.
November 2008 WTM - London
Travel World Magazine NEWS 9

For the 5th Year Running Baron Hotels TRAVCO RECEIVES

Egypt receive International Recognition AMADEUS AWARD
as Best Hotels by the British Market A t an event that took place at the Fairmont Tow-
ers Heliopolis, Amadeus System hosted their an-
nual event on the 2nd of July, 2008, and Travco Travel
received an award for the second year in a row by
Amadeus System, for being one of the top producers
in Egypt, through the sizeable amount of business
generated by its 7 retail offices and 9 retail branches
in Egypt, apart from the business generated by te 12
international offices in the Middle East, Europe, and
the Far East.
Ms. Nabila Abdallah, aviation manager Travco, re-
ceived the award, and the from the Travco side, at-
tendees included Travco’s EgyptAir Reservation
Manager, Mr. Mostafa Amin, Manager of the aviation
branches, Mr. Abdel Moti Zanaty, and Mrs. Mona El
Wahsh. The awards were distributed by Mr. Ahmed
Youssef, regional manager Amadeus, Ms. Jacqueline
David, marketing manager Middle East, and Mr.
Moody Magued, sales and marketing manager.

Chaine Des Rotisseurs

T
he Marque of Excellence Awards 2007 has been
awarded to the Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh
for consecutive 5 year and Baron Palm Resort
for the 2nd year running by Thomas Cook, as per their
clients voting for Baron Hotels for the years 2007/2008;
as best 5 star hotels in Sharm El Sheikh. This exception-
al success was achieved through following the highest
international hospitality and service quality standards;
gaining the trust and loyalty of the European market
in general and the British market in particular.
The clients of Thomas cook (One of the biggest travel
& tourism companies in England and the world) have
at InterContinental CityStars
ury. To reach this goal, the owning company contracted
an International office for consultancy and design to
handle the interior as well as the exterior designs. As
for the heavenly landscapes, a well known American
company which executed different International proj-
ects for hotels has been also contracted.
Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh features 700 rooms and
suites, an impressive array of not less than 10 restau-
rants, bars, tennis courts and a Roman theatre. Baron
Palace Sahl Hasheesh offers its guests 600 meters of
private sandy beaches, where guests can enjoy all sorts
of water sports, diving, snorkeling and swimming.

chosen Baron Properties in Sharm El-Sheikh as the
best touristic destination in 2007 for delivering the best
standards of service and hospitality.
Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh, 5 star Deluxe features
360 rooms and suites with a beautiful private sandy
beach, as well as covered and open air swimming pools;
while Palms Resort Sharm El Sheikh with it Andalusian
architecture features 240 rooms and suites. The unique
feature of the Palm resort is the tropical gardens with
more than 200 palm trees surrounding the swimming
pools; in addition to the conference room accommodat-
ing 600 guests.
The planned opening of Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh,
a five star hotel in 2009 marks a new era of ultimate lux-
Renaissance Alexandria Hotel and it’s newly opened Markets
T
The Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh features one of the
he Chaine Des Rotisseurs selected InterContinen-
best conference facilities in the region; the main ball-
tal CityStars Cairo for the third time to organize
room accommodates 1000 guests, in addition to smaller
and host their annual gala dinner. The event was held
rooms equipped with the latest technology.
at Al Saraya ballroom where the hotel themed the
The Baron Palace Sahl el Hasheesh is the first step in
evening in an autumn mood.
a series of new projects in the area, to be announced
All the walls of the ballroom were covered by large
throughout the next three years.
screens displaying natural scenery of autumn. The 6
Seen in the picture, Mr. Sherif Shahein Vice Chairman
course carefully chosen menu prepared by the hotels
Baron Hotels & Resorts Egypt, Mr. Ahmed Khaled,
talented chefs was the talk of the whole evening. Din-
general manager Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh and
ner was attended by Cairo’s key society figures that
Mr. Ghassan Dalal, general manager Baron Palms Re-
all complemented the set up and food quality.
sort Sharm El Sheikh, receives the Marque of Excel-
The main objective of the Chaîne is to unite, from all
lence Award 2007 from the representative of Thomas
over the world, Gastronomes and Professionals with
Cook Company.
distinctive refined taste, who appreciate quality “Cui-
sine” and the culture of the table.
The International gastronomic society founded in
Paris in 1950, is devoted to promoting fine dining

A fter the complete refurbishment of The Renaissance Alexandria Hotel and it’s re- and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the
opening in May 2005 being undergoing two full years of extensive renovation, the table.
hotel then started slightly to capture the international leisure markets which is gener- Culinary Ambassadors of Egypt win
ally tied to the classical tours coming from Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as an extensions
Four Gold Medals, One Bronze & One
phase to experience the Mediterranean Sea and the Historical ancient locations of the
Alexandria Pearl, said Hisham El Demery the General Manager of the hotel. Diploma at Culinary Olympics 2008

F
In the old days of Renaissance, the hotel was focusing mainly on corporate business
and this was the main feeder source of business coming into the hotel. By 2007 the or the first time Egypt’s Culinary Ambassadors
achieve super great results for Egypt and for all
management has realized the significance and potentiality of the international travel
Egyptians Chefs.
segment to support the occupancy levels throughout the year.
Demi Chef de Partie Mohamed El Saadawy wins a
The shown figures of the property demonstrate that there is an increase from 2006
Gold Medal, Category A : Culinary Arts; Chef Artists
- 2008 covering the British, German, Scandinavian and Russian markets in addition to
Samy Fayez Haroun, Ramy Ahmed Mohamed and
traditional Greek and the Italian markets.
Mina Sobhy Gaballah acheive three Gold Medals in
Alexandria has not only become a destination for tourism but a center of attraction for Category D1: Culinary Artistry - Cold Kitchen Show-
its moderate climate and cultural heritage. piece and Category D2: Culinary Artistry - Pâtisserie
On top of this, Alexandria still continues to improve and get advanced, therefore the Showpiece; Sous Chef Hany Hamed succeeds in get-
opening of the new ‘Borg Al Arab’ airport in late 2009 will make a great impact and ting a Bronze Medal and Chef Hamdi Ramadan wins
magnetism to all the Alexandria Visitors by drawing most of the international air car- Diploma in Category B: Culinary Arts.
riers.
November 2008 WTM - London
10 RESORTS Travel World Magazine

John Wood General Manager of A gathering Lunch At

Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna Safir Hotel Cairo
M övenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna has the pleasure
to announce the appointment of John G C Wood as
its new General Manager.
Wood is a 4th Generation Hotelier and was actually
born in the Queen’s Hotel in Aberystwyth. He gradu-
ated with honours from the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne
and brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospi-
tality business having worked for the most respectable
companies like Holiday Inn and Le Meridien in various
countries such as Cyprus, the Caribbean, India , Russia
Croatia, and Mauritius.
He joined Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in 2007 to re-
position the Mauritius Resort and this was crowned with
the “Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort” Award at
the 2008 World Travel Awards.
He comes to El Gouna full of excitement to continue the
good work that has already been done in making the Re-
sort the “Premier Choice” for the ever increasing num-

I
John G C Wood, General Manager ber of visitors to this ‘Little Venice on the Red Sea’.
n a bid to strengthen the bonds between Safir Hotels Egypt family,
Mr. Hussein Shoukry Sarhan ,General Manager Safir Hotel Cairo
New Promotions in Mövenpick Nile Cruises Egypt arranged a gathering lunch for Mr. Ahmed El Salaw, General Manager

M övenpick Nile Cruises Egypt announced recently the
promotion of Ahmed Younis as the Deputy Director
of Sales for the Mövenpick Nile Cruisers Egypt which in-
cludes the Mövenpick M/S Royal Lotus, M/S Royal Lily,
M/S Prince Abbas and The Nile Cruisers Radamis I &
II. Ahmed has joined the Mövenpick Nile Cruises team
since July 2003, as an Assistant Sales Manager, where he
proved an excellent performance and commitment and
eventually promoted to his current position.
W. Morsy
Safir Suites Hotel Zamalek and all Safir Suites Hotel Zamalek Depart-
ment Heads under the auspices of Mr. Ihab El Kerdani, Regional Direc-
tor of Operations Safir Hotels & Resorts Egypt & North Africa in the
presence of all Safir Hotel Cairo Department Heads. All attendees ex-
pressed their grateful for the exquisite friendly atmosphere & the warm
welcome.
The photo shows, Mr. Ihab El Kerdani, Regional Director of Opera-
tions Safir Hotels & Resorts Egypt & North Africa, Mr. Hussein Shoukry,
General Manger Safir Hotel Cairo, Mr. Ahmed El Salawi, General Man-
A. Younis ger Safir Hotel Zamalek, Mr. Hamdi Abdel Rahman, Owner Represen-

W aleed Morsy was appointed as the Financial Controller of the newly opened Mövenpick tative, Mrs. Rawia Abdel Kader, Regional Director of Human Resources
Resort El Sokhna, he joined the Mövenpick team in 1998, where he held his first position Safir Hotels & Resorts Egypt & Mrs. Imtenan Sadek, Regional Director
in Mövenpick Resort-Cairo Pyramids and after he took different tasks in various Mövenpick of Public Relations Safir Hotels & Resorts Egypt between Safir Hotels
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Cairo & Zamalek Department Heads
12 Travel World Magazine NEWS 13

TIA HEIGHTS MAKADI BAY is now officially

the new name of X-Le Meridien Makadi Bay Air News
BMI being taken over by Lufthansa

L ufthansa is buying 50 % of BMI. The deal set to

be completed by 16 January will give Lufthansa
control of more flights from London Heathrow and
considerably bolsters its position. Lufthansa will then
own 80 % of BMI, while 20 % is owned by Scandina-
vian Airlines.

Austrian Business Class

A ustrian Airlines Business Class offers 24 spacious

comfort seats with more legroom and integrat-
ed massage function. The premium service includes
a special and excquisite catering service combining
Oriental and Austrian cuisine

British Airways drops surcharges

F or flights more than nine hours: The surcharge

will drop by £13 per flight - from £109 per flight
to £96 per flight. For flights less than nine hours: The
surcharge will drop by £10 per flight - from £78 per
flight to £68 per flight.

A
World Traveller Club:For flights less than 9 hours:
s of October 1st 2008, TIA Heights is the new managing company that will take over the one million m2 resort
The surcharge drop by £10 per flight - from £78 per
in Makadi Bay, formally known as Le Meridien.
flight to £68 per flight. For flights less than 9 hours:
TIA HEIGHTS Makadi Bay holds 1049 rooms all recently renovated & altered to a more modern style. Along
The surcharge will drop by £5 flight - from £88 per
with the expansion of outlets, TIA Heights Makadi Bay now holds 15 F&B outlets.
flight to £83 per flight.
TIA Hotels & Resorts aim to offer the very best in the hospitality industry. With its future plans to expand in
Egypt, Tia Hotels and Resorts puts customer satisfaction as its sole target.

British Petroleum at
Renaissance Sharm
T he Renaissance Golden View Beach resort was the chosen venue
by AIR BP to hold their annual TSA conference. The event was a
great success and guests coming from all over the world were amazed
by the outstanding service, unique location and friendly staff.
“It is not just an event, it is an experience we are offering to each
and every guest to have an enjoyable memorable events; so they can
have successful meetings, relax at a home out of home, enjoy mouse
watering food with an Egyptian flavor and offer them to opportunity
to Discover the Red Sea. Our staff is always delighted to serve our
customers” Said Sameh Nadim, Director of Marketing.
Photo shows: British petroleum participants at Renaissance main
lobby

A setting of Purity and Wellbeing: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius

J ean Stéphane Grasset is the name of the new General Manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius. Coming from
Santiburi Golf Resort & Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand, the French national Jean Stéphane Grasset joins Mövenpick Hotels
& Resorts for the first time in the function of General Manager of the hotel group’s flagship in Mauritius. He has a great
deal of experience in the upscale hotel business and, in addition to Thailand, has worked in Singapore, Cyprus, France and
Mauritius in the past.
Located on the south west coast of Mauritius, in the heart of the preserved nature of Bel Ombre, the Mövenpick Resort &
Spa Mauritius is an authentic paradise perfectly integrated into large sugar cane fields as well as lush vegetation and offers a
unique atmosphere of a traditional sugar cane plantation from the early 17th century. This upscale resort combines first-class
service, excellent cuisine, exceptional spa facilities and a wide range of sports. With 160 spacious rooms, 20 suites and one
villa, all facing the Indian Ocean, the resort provides the ideal setting for a relaxing and luxury stay at any time of the year.
The friendliness of Mauritian combined with Swiss hospitality simply grants impeccable service.
Upon arrival, after only 45 minutes transfer from International Airport, guests are welcomed with a lemongrass ice tea
freshly picked from the hotel’s gardens. A unique design on the island, inspiring elegance and serenity from the entrance,
guiding constantly the eyes towards the surrounding nature and the 500 meter beach and lagoon. The exceptional location
of the resort, between lush tropical vegetation and speechless crystal blue water lagoon makes it the ideal starting point for
day excursions on Mauritius.
The spacious and luxuriously designed rooms (from 55 sqm), suites and the villa offer the ultimate in comfort and are
spread through casuarinas, coconut trees, frangipanes, hibiscus and bougainvilleas in 22 acres of tropical gardens. They are
all appointed into a classical style with a wood or palm thatch roofs, with terrace or balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.
For the ultimate chill-out experience five Indian beds and 20 hammocks have recently been added to the lavish tropical gar-
den. Space and tranquillity are the key words to define this unique resort.

November 2008 WTM - London

Travel World Magazine RESORTS 15

Hilton Hurghada Plaza

One team, always trusted
and always ahead
A
hmed Sabry, the General Manager of the
Hilton Hurghada Plaza talked to us about
the upgrade of his resort, that took place
since mid 2007 which affected directly the over all
quality of service and hence, the type of guests ac-
commodated at the resort.

What is your core philosophy ?

My core philosophy is the investment in people, those
who provide the quality of service our guests expect
from a five star resort as our team member create what
our brands stand for.
As I always say, “ One team, always trusted and always
ahead “, we need to build our team member around this
as playing alone will take us no where but playing as one team, will definitely build
trust between our brand and our guests, which will automatically take us ahead of all
other International hotel chains.
We are one of the great company in hospitality then we must provide great service,
reaching this great level of service is through building great team members and pass-
ing the responsibility to them that they are our Ambassadors, whatever department
they are working for.

What did you do to be one of the top 5 star properties in Hurghada ?

The property went through a soft renovation all over, including the rooms, public
areas and all the food and beverage outlets, all this with concentrating on training
for team members to upgrade the services delivered to guests and to exceed their ex-
pectation were the major success factors for the Hilton Plaza to compete with other 5
star resorts in Hurghada as well as making sure our guests walk out of the property
with no problems or negative comments.
Simply, I just explained to my team members that working as one team, will build
trust, increase our guest loyalty and hence we will go ahead and be one of the top
properties not only in Hurghada but in all the Red Sea area.

What unique challenges does Hurghada market present for you ?

It is our unique challenge to build positive perceptions for our services among all the
Red Sea hotels & resorts.
Recruitment is one of the major challenge we are facing due to the fact that non In-
ternational hotel chains are offering very high salaries with no calculated risk that
this will aggressively harm the salary scale for each position.

How do you overcome this challenge ?

I am sure you know that Hilton is one of the great hotel chains in training and devel-
opment, it is known as the people hotel chain.
We care a lot about our team member, the training and development is one of our
main targets as general managers in Hilton, this should start from implementing
proper hiring procedure, introducing our company properly to new comers, explain-
ing carefully their privileges and entitlements being a Hilton employee and finally
discussing their career succession plan over an identified period of time, this process
is taking place from the most junior team members to the most senior ones.

Do you see a downfall in business due to the current economical crises ?

Of course the business will be affected but to the minimal, this will never be felt be-
fore the first quarter in 2009 but, I wish that all hotels and resorts in Egypt stand still
and do not decrease their rates, there is demand and the tour operators will try to use
all gimmicks to take special rates.
The demand on Egypt is increasing tremendously during the last couple of years
and we are still one of the medium priced destinations to spend one week or two week
holiday, tourist will still travel, despite of the economical crises, they may be less than
before but the difference will be minor, we just need not to panic and jeopardize our
rates, we reached a good step in increasing our prices and we should not look back
but we should look ahead.

On a personal note, what do you enjoy the most in working with Hilton ?
As I said earlier, Hilton is a great company and working for them just added a lot to
my experience, I am working in the hospitality industry since 20 years after adding
the last 3 years at Hilton, I can only say that the company is dedicated and focused
whether in developing their team members or upgrading their level of service and the
quality of their products, it is an exciting period for me and I am enjoying being one
of their General Manager for one of their elite 5 star resorts all over Egypt.
November 2008 WTM - London
16 INTERNATIONAL Travel World Magazine Travel World Magazine INTERNATIONAL 17

November 2008 WTM - London May 2008 ATM - Dubai

18 LAST PAGE Travel World Magazine

Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel and Habitat for

From the publisher ...
Humanity are proud to announce the launch
of their first house build in Dar es Salaam

T he number of tourists visiting Egypt

climbed from 9.8 to 12.5 million
during the 2007/8 fiscal year.
Russia with 1.5 million in 2007 has
overtaken Britain and accounts for more
tourists to Egypt than any other coun-
try. Egypt is targeting to lure around 14
Million tourists by 2011 end.
To achieve this target, the country
needs to build 240,000 hotel rooms by
2011 that requires an annual investment
of over US$ 1 Billion. This represents a
huge opportunity for infrastructure de-
velopers, particularly hotel groups.

T
------------------------
he Baron Palace, also known as
Hindu Villa, one of Heliopolis’ fa-

M
mous landmarks is undergoing renova-
övenpick Hotels & Resorts Africa Hotel Dar es Salaam, and 12 media rep- simple housing solutions for local com-
tion. A team of the Archaeological Sur-
division and Habitat for Humanity resentatives, a big smile was put on the munities in need. Both represent a great
vey of India (ASI) is going to assist in
Africa & the Middle East Division, an- faces of Juma and his family. corporate citizenship by serving to es-
conserving and maintaining the nearly
nounced on August 22, 2008 the launch After commencing house-build, Mr. tablish, and build homes. This in return
100-year-old palace. The Baron Place is
of their first house build in Chamazi, Hans-Peter Duerr, the General Manager will raise awareness about the vital need
named after the Belgian Baron-General
Mbagala, which is located 20 Km away of the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar for a positively economical and healthy
Edouard Louis Joseph Empain, who is
from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. es Salaam, welcomed the attendees and shelter for the families across the African
also the founder of Cairo’s posh suburb
With this house-build, Mövenpick Ho- thanked them for their contribution. In region.
Heliopolis.
tels & Resorts draws a landmark in the addition, he presented a new cheque for Through the generosity of Mövenpick

E
----------------------------
progress of their partnership with Habi- Greg Foster, the Regional Director for Royal Palm Hotel guests, and Habitat for
gypt has revealed plans to build an
tat for Humanity, in building affordable, Habitat for Humanity International in Humanity, Tanzania will be able to lever-
Underwater Museum in Alexandria
decent house solutions for families in ME & Africa for further House builds age their contributions to improve the
with the support of the UNESCO . As the
need in Tanzania. in Tanzania in the near future, including lives of hundreds of families with good
first of its kind it would be partly above
The first house build was done for Juma a donation of 4,000 US$ from Mantrac, housing, drinkable water, and healthy
waters and partly submerged, consisting
Amani, a 14-year old Primary School handed over by Edmund Martin, the living conditions.
of three floors following the 2001 UNES-
Student and his family; the house facili- Managing Director for their Tanzania The humanistic cause will not only af-
CO convention for the preservation of
ties included two bedrooms, a living area, Branch. fect the families of Tanzania in need, but
underwater heritage, that suggest that
bathroom and a shower room. With the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and Habi- will greatly affect nations in need, mak-
submerged artifacts should ideally re-
help and contributions of more than 20 tat for Humanity together as leaders, ing the world a better place to have hope
main on the seabed and because water
employees and guests of the Mövenpick hand in hand, will support and provide and simply live.
actually preserves artifacts. Construc-
tions are scheduled to begin later this
year.

T
-----------------------
he three-thousand-year-old temple
was found along with some parts
of a Ramses II statue and the limestone
panels used for the construction of the
monument. The third Egyptian pharaoh
of the nineteenth dynasty, Ramses II, is
often referred to as Egypt’s greatest and
most powerful ruler. Ain Shams is a sub-
urb in the east of Cairo.
EmanShaaban

T R AV E L W O R L D M A G A Z I N E
The Egyptian Travel Magazine since 1990
Publisher: Eman Shaaban Chief Editor: Abouelwafa Badour
Head office: Travel World Publications - Patric’s Team P.O. Box 1462 CH-1820 Montreux 1 switzerland Tel. +41 21 963 27 47 Fax: +41 21 963 27 48 a.badour@yahoo.com
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