Rixos Hotels, part of the Accor portfolio, has announced a partnership with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to re-launch the Rixos Makadi Bay - Hurghada.
 
This agreement to manage the world's largest luxury resort in the Egyptian Riviera overlooking the Red Sea is the latest milestone to follow Accor’s acquisition of 50 per cent of the Rixos Hotels’ shares as part of its expansion strategy in the Middle East.

The project, scheduled to be launched in 2020, will eventually expand the existing property on the bay to feature 1,636 keys and world-class leisure and sports facilities.
 
“This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in Accor’s growth history, as our brand’s largest resort globally will offer a comprehensive range of facilities and dynamic entertainment experiences,” said Fattah Tamingi, founder and chairman of Rixos Hotels.
 
The stand-out property will boast a stunning location in a secluded bay on the Red Sea, just south of Hurghada - a global hotspot for scuba diving, family getaways and golf breaks.
 
New resort highlights will include individual villas, an extensive indoor and outdoor spa, fitness facilities, kids’ clubs, a waterpark, beach lounge, large conference centre, wide-ranging F&B options and an expansive entertainment area with an amphitheatre.
 
The resort is expected to become the preferred destination for discerning travellers and corporate group business from key source markets such as Europe and the CIS.
 
Tamingi added: “We are delighted to partner with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to launch this flagship project, which will set a new benchmark for luxury exclusive all-inclusive resorts in Egypt and the wider Middle East.”
 
Mahmoud El-Sayed Moussa El-Sharkawy, CEO, the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development, added: “Our vision is to transform Makadi Bay into the leading leisure and entertainment destination on the Red Sea and in this respect, the Rixos brand, with its successful one-of-a-kind hospitality concept and proven expertise operating in Egypt’s resort market, makes strategic sense. It’s the perfect fit.”
 
“This unique takeover opportunity strengthens the Rixos offering in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera and highlights the strong partnership Accor has established with the Rixos team to develop the brand regionally and globally,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa.
 
“We would like to thank all the parties involved in this landmark project, which offers the right mix of elements in terms of scale of inventory and facilities to embody the Rixos business model and to boost awareness of its exclusive luxury offering in key regional and global markets.”
 
The renovation project of the existing development in Makadi Bay will be phased in two stages, each spanning a year. Phase one, which will include the addition of wings and facilities to uplift the hotel in line with Rixos brand standards, is already underway.
 
When phase one is complete, Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay will be officially launched. It will feature 815 keys including villas, 12 F&B outlets, a beach lounge, 1,500-sq-m of meeting space, a spa and wellness area covering 2,400 sqm, multiple pools, a small aquapark, kids’ clubs and expansive outdoor areas for fitness and entertainment programmes.
 
Phase two of the renovation plan will start as soon as the property opens its doors and will include a 23,000-sq-m water park, as well as upgrades to the remaining hotel inventory.
 
Established in 2000, Rixos Hotels is a Turkey-based luxury brand with a global portfolio of 25 hotels in seven countries, 17 of which are operated as waterfront resorts and welcome more than 1 million guests annually. The chain embodies traditional Turkish hospitality and features unique health treatment clubs and entertainment experiences for guests of all ages.
 
Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay will expand Accor’s footprint in Egypt to 25 properties strong, with 13 more projects pipelined across its diversified portfolio of brands including Fairmont and Movenpick on Egypt’s Red Sea and north coast.

The group’s portfolio currently includes Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Alamein and Rixos Premium Seagate in Nabq Bay, as well as Mövenpick El Gouna and Mövenpick Soma Bay. - TradeArabia News Service