Samir Ibrahim is the Area Vice President - Rotana Egypt & General Manager Coral Beach Rotana Resort - Tiran. He lived most of his life in the GCC countries where he started his hotel career in 1973, when he joined the Hilton Chain & for the following 15 years of his life in the GCC Area where he held various positions. Then he joined the Owning Company of Chains in Abu Dhabi, prior to joining Rotana in 2001 as the Area Vice President – Rotana Egypt.
What plans are in the pipeline to develop Rotana's footprint in Egypt?
Orascom Hotels Holding, the single largest hotel owner in Egypt, SHUAA Hospitality Fund I, a new fund managed by SHUAA Partners, the private equity arm of SHUAA Capital and Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, the leading hotel chain in the MENA region recently announced a Joint Venture, which will invest in developing and operating budget business hotels in Egypt to be exclusively managed by Rotana. The Joint Venture will see the initial development of five hotels under the brand Centro by Rotana and will capitalize on the growing need for affordable, trendy budget business hotels in Cairo and other strategic locations within Egypt. This is a significant step for Rotana, not only towards fulfilling our forceful growth strategy for the region, but also for Rotana entering the Cairo market.
Have there been any developments within existing Rotana’s in Egypt?
Rotana currently operates 4 stunning beach resorts in Egypt with approximately 1500 rooms, ranging from internationally recognized 4 star standards to an impressive 5 star property. Located in Sharm El Sheikh and in Hurghada, these properties offer well appointed rooms and suites with all the modern amenities, a clutch of truly international dining options and various recreations facilities to enjoy.
A brief overview on the existing Rotana Resorts in Egypt..
Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Tiran: The Resort is set on a 90,000 meter-squared, beautifully landscaped tourist village and is close to many of the region’s tourist attractions. Elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all with stunning sea or garden views, offer a full range of quality amenities to satisfy the most demanding leisure traveler. The Resort offers a variety of 6 different and unique venues providing a large choice of cuisine including the famous Shark’s Bay seafood restaurant by the beach. Three large swimming pools and 2 tennis courts complement the facilities that are available in the first class Bodylines fitness centre in addition to diving and snorkeling.
Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Montazah: Located on Sharm El Sheikh's most beautiful beach, Ras Nasrani, Coral Beach Rotana Resort - Montazah is also just minutes away from the commercial and shopping centers of Na’ama Bay. Elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all with stunning sea or garden views, offer a full range of quality amenities to satisfy the most demanding leisure traveler. The Resort offers a variety of 5 diverse venues providing a choice of cuisines and entertainment. A new seafood restaurant is expected to be operational shortly. With its wide sandy beach, large swimming pool, tennis courts and fitness center, you will have the options to keep fit, relax or soak in the sun during your break. Diving and snorkeling facilities are also available. Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Hurghada: Set on the shores of the crystal- clear Red Sea overlooking the magnificent Hurghada reef, the Resort offers great landscaping including a beautiful 1.2kms stretch of private beach. The Resort offers an elegant and wide choice of accommodation ranging from rooms, family rooms and suites in addition to a variety of 7 different and unique venues providing a variety of cuisines in different settings. A one kilometer stretch of private beach, 2 large swimming pools and 3 tennis courts complement the sport and leisure facilities that are available, in addition to diving and snorkeling.
Grand Rotana Resort & Spa – Sharm El Sheikh: The Resort has its own 450 meters stretch of private beach, a stunning pool surrounded by a lush tropical landscape with over 2000 palm trees. This 5 star modern and trendy property offers a wide range of accommodation; Superior, Deluxe and Premier Rooms, Club Rotana Executive Rooms and Suites and 9 private Villas. Some of Rotana’s renowned Food & Beverage innovations are on hand in this magnificent property with a choice of 9 different and unique venues offering mouthwatering specialties in authentic surroundings. Indoor and outdoor conference space and seafront outdoor function space, makes the Resort a favourite with discerning MICE organizers. The jewel in the resort’s crown is its magnificent open-air amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 1200 persons. A supervised kids club will take care of your little ones as you take some time off to relax in the open air Jacuzzi, exercise in our state-of-the-art Bodylines fitness centre or simply being pampered in our first class Zen spa at Rotana.
Zen spa at Rotana is designed to meet the personal needs of each guest with various treatment rooms; relaxation area and beach massage facilities.
What are your main markets in Egypt?
Approximately 90% of our guests in the Resorts are Europeans with our main markets being UK, Russia, Italy and to a lesser extend Germany and Northern Europe. With the latest 5 star Grand Rotana Resort & Spa we also anticipate an additional 10% to come from local Egyptian and Gulf markets taking into consideration that the property is a 5 star resort which is popular in these regions. The UK and European travel operators are our main medium through contractual deals and we will also pursue the UK, European & Pan Arab incentive houses not only because Sharm El Sheikh is an attractive destination for these markets but also because the Grand Rotana Resort & Spa is well equipped with meeting and banquet rooms making it a venue of choice for incentive groups.
We have a sales office based in Cairo dedicated to take care of the local corporate clients and companies, the travel trade and MICE industry. Our Outbound sales offices in the Middle East and Area Sales Offices are a further major source of business for Egypt, and this is supported by many targeted advertising campaigns in specific countries & markets. Egypt will only grow to attract new markets with the many developments taking place and the efforts invested for the promotion of the destination.
How does Rotana distinguish itself from other leading hotel chains in Egypt?
The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travelers alike.
