Construction begins on third Radisson SAS resort in Egypt

The Red Sea bay resort, surrounded by mountains, deserts and an extensive landscaped garden, is due to open in 2005.

The resort is owned by leading Egyptian leisure property developer, the Al Quseir Hotel Company. This project is a joint investment of the Al Quseir Hotel Company, the Danish Industrialisation Fund for Developing Countries and Radisson SAS.

The flag of the Scandinavian-owned Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts was hoisted over the Al Quseir site today by Jean-Marc Busato, Vice President, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts Middle East & Africa and the board members of the Al Quseir Hotel Company.

"This investment is a milestone in the development of the Radisson SAS brand in Egypt and solid evidence of our commitment to help build the country's in- bound regional and international leisure business," said Busato.

The Radisson SAS Resort Al Quseir will boast terraced restaurants, a bar, a swim-up pool bar, three freshwater swimming pools and a salt-water lagoon. Additional leisure facilities include a fitness centre, spa, sauna, steam room, relaxation massages, as well as a diving centre.

"The Red Sea is renowned for its superb diving potential and we will be looking to maximise this attraction in our international promotion of this property," said Busato.

"We are particularly thrilled that construction of the project is ahead of schedule," said Gunnar Stignas, chairman of the board, Al Quseir Hotel Company. "We have worked extremely well with Radisson SAS on the designs and have been able to fast-track the property. This is an excellent start to what we hope will be a long and successful relationship."

The Radisson SAS Resort Al Quseir will be the third Egyptian property in the Radisson SAS growing portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. The award-winning chain currently manages properties in Sharm El Sheikh and Taba and a fourth property is planned in Hurghada.

"All these properties are marketed world-wide through our extensive presence which is particularly strong in Europe and is strengthening in the Middle East. Last year alone we have opened the doors of five first class hotels in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE," added Busato.