Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, is set to raise its first Pullman flag in Egypt after signing an agreement to take over, manage and fully renovate a beachside resort in one of Sharm El Sheikh’s most desirable tourism destinations.

 

The group has partnered with Allied Arab Investment & Development Company to operate Naama Bay Promenade Resort, the 520-key property in the renowned tourism hotspot of Naama Bay, adjacent to Novotel Sharm El Sheikh Resort.

 

Following the completion of the takeover in late 2019/early 2020, it will be operated under a white label, ‘managed by Accor’ until two phases of a significant property improvement programme are undertaken in line with Pullman brand standards. 

 

Naama Bay Promenade Resort will be re-branded as Pullman in early 2021 when the beach area of the property, including 216 keys, is fully renovated, with the remaining work on the stunning mountain side of the resort, including an additional 304 keys, to be completed by early 2023.

 

“We are delighted to partner with Allied Arab Investment & Development Company to launch this exciting project, which provides Accor with a unique opportunity to takeover an existing property and debut Pullman in a prime Red Sea Riviera location, as is befitting of this upbeat premium brand,” remarked Mark Willis, CEO, Middle East & Africa, Accor.

 

“It also enables us to showcase the full potential of the Pullman brand in Egypt and the wider Middle East and North Africa region and following the large-scale renovation project we have planned the resort will make its mark as a business and leisure destination of distinction,” he stated.

 

Engineer Essam Ahmed Fathy Nasr, Chairman, Allied Arab Investment & Development Company, added: “As a leading owner, investor and developer of five-star hospitality projects in Egypt, we were looking for a like-minded hotel operator to transform our property and Accor, with its local and global expertise and a hospitality brand that fits our vision for Naama Bay, is the right partner to take over and re-model this resort into something very special.”

 

Phase one of the resort’s renovation programme will see the beachside area undergo a full revamp (including 216 keys) while the mountainside will be operational under the ‘Managed by Accor’ white label. 

 

Following the completion of beachside renovations in January 2021, this area of the resort will be branded Pullman while phase two – full mountainside renovations (including 304 keys) – will get under way, said the top official.

 

By January 2023 the resort will be entirely renovated and uplifted to Pullman standards and will feature 520 rooms and suites ranging in size from 35m2 to 120m2; a reimagined and innovative culinary experience across two all-day dining outlets, three specialty restaurants and four bars/lounges; spa and fitness facilities; an adult swimming pool; a kids’ pool and play areas; a waters sports centre and a diving centre; plus a retail area including a jewellery store, hair and beauty salon and gift, clothing and photography shops.

 

Naama Bay is one of Sharm El Sheikh’s most popular tourism areas, known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. 

 

Pullman Sharm El Sheikh will add a new dimension to the destination with its signature premium services and technology, timeless and functional design, balanced culinary concepts and exceptional sports facilities, all in one convenient and central location, stated Willis.

 

When Accor takes over the property it will cement its status as the largest hotel operator in Sharm El Sheikh, responsible for managing more than 2,500 rooms in the destination, he added.

 

Egypt wide, the Group currently operates 8,338 keys across 25 properties and has almost 7,000 additional keys across 19 hotels in its development pipeline, including the new Pullman resort. It also manages eight Nile boats with 405 keys.-TradeArabia News Service