Egyptian boom for Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts

Expansion set to continue with new openings

(Dubai, May 4, 2000) The opening today of Le Meridien Makadi Bay Beach Resort marks a second phase in the development of the group’s presence in the leisure sector in Egypt.

The 814-room resort includes 450 hotel rooms and 365 beachside chalet bungalows as well as a group of 70 holiday flats, and also features a 500-metre private beach with extensive watersports facilities, a Penguin Village for children, two pools, health and fitness centre, four tennis courts and six restaurants and bars.

Located 22km south of Hurghada on the Red Sea, Le Meridien Makadi Bay is expected to be a popular choice for both keen scuba divers and families seeking a complete resort experience, according to Michel Noblet, managing director, Middle East and West Asia for Le Meridien.

“We firmly believe in the potential of the vast Red Sea area which offers the traveller sun and sea as well as a true immersion in the heritage and culture unique to the Middle East,” he said. “We have pledged our commitment with plans for a whole array of stylish, individual properties, the first of which opens today at Makadi Bay.”

To come during the next two years are Le Meridien resorts at Marsa Alam ( 250 rooms, opening summer 2002); Sharm-El-Sheikh (430 rooms, summer 2001), and Luxor (302 rooms, December 2000), plus the rebranded former Sheraton in Hurghada, which will have a unique spa when it reopens after a complete refurbishment.

Additional expansion in Egypt will include Le Royal Meridien Nile & Tower which opens adjacent to Le Meridien Cairo in December 2000, with 870 rooms and extensive conference and leisure facilities, plus the 81-room Le Meridien Alachir in New Cairo, scheduled to open its doors in March 2000.

“Business at our existing Egypt hotels was up 36 per cent in the first quarter, principally due to the popularity of the country with European tourists,” said Russel Sharpe, senior vice president, Middle East and West Asia, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts.

“We are confident that the country will continue as a global tourism destination and by expanding our network of hotels and resorts throughout Egypt, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts will be well placed to capitalise on the ongoing boom.”