Egyptian Tourism Minister hails spectacular new Sharm El Sheikh property

Dr. Mamdouh El Beltagui officially inaugurated the first new Crowne Plaza Resort in the Middle East and Africa this century at a glittering opening ceremony.

"This is an exciting development which meets the needs of leisure travellers in this important resort destination in the region", said Dr. El Beltagui. "The Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh offers a wonderful range of facilities and very high standard of services. It is a prime example of what Egypt requires as it develops its tourism strategy to maintain its position as a key travel attraction and hub of the world."

Egypt is a country which prides itself on being safe and a contributor to world peace, he added.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Montasser Abu Ghali, Chairman, Sharm International for Touristic Development; General Mostafa Afifi, Governor of Sinai; Michel Tourniaire, Regional Vice President of Operations, Six Continents Hotels, Egypt; Robert Zoghbi, Regional Director of Operations, Sinai Resorts, Six Continents Hotels and Moine Kandil, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh.

Built over a 250,000 square metre site sloping gently towards the sea in El Pacha Bay, and within ten minutes of the airport, the Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh is an impressive property, giving magnificent views over the renowned Far Garden coral reef.

With 329 deluxe rooms, the resort also features one and two bedroom apartments and villas for rent. Guests have a multitude of dining options and can enjoy the resort's own private waterfront, as well as a diving centre with its own pool. Water-sports and windsurfing are readily available in the resort, and there are three swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, sauna, and jacuzzi.

Conference facilities include two 200 square metre multi-purpose function rooms, with terraces offering breathtaking views of the coral reefs, as well as smaller breakout rooms on the mezzanine level.

A major development programme in Egypt will see Six Continents Hotels opening Egypt's second Crowne Plaza resort next year at Abu Soma, between the Red Sea resorts of Safaga and Hurghada. This is further to new Inter-Continental hotels at Taba Heights, Sharm El Sheikh and Heliopolis Cairo, while a new Holiday Inn hotel will open in Ras Sedr in June 2002, following on from the opening of the Holiday Inn Resort Amphoras in September this year. The new hotels join three Inter-Continental and two Holiday Inn properties already under management by Six Continents Hotels in Egypt.

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