French hotel giant Accor inked on November 3 a renovation and management deal for Naama Bay Promenade Resort in Sharm El Sheikh, agreeing to re-brand the beachside project as Pullman Hotels and Resorts by January 2021, Invest-Gate reports.
Accor has partnered with Egypt’s Allied Arab Investment and Development Company to operate the latter’s Naama Bay Promenade Resort, following the completion of the takeover in late 2019/early 2020. It will be managed by Accor until two phases of a significant property improvement program are undertaken in line with Pullman brand standards, according to a recent press release.
Following its full refurbishment in early 2021, the resort will present 216 rooms, “with the remaining work on the stunning mountain side of the resort, including an additional 304 keys, to be completed by early 2023,” read the statement.
Comprising properties ranging from 35 to 120 square meters, the newly-revamped development will see two all-day dining outlets, in addition to three specialty restaurants and four bars/lounges. Besides, it will boast a spa, fitness facilities, several swimming pools, a waters sports center, and a diving center, along with a retail area featuring multiple stores.
Commenting on the agreement, “We are delighted to partner with Allied Arab Investment and Development Company to launch this exciting project, which provides Accor with a unique opportunity to take over an existing property and debut Pullman in a prime Red Sea Riviera location, as is befitting of this upbeat premium brand,” CEO of Accor Middle East and Africa Mark Willis was quoted as saying.
For his part, Chairman of Allied Arab Investment and Development Company Essam Nasr noted, “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.”
Managing 2,500 rooms in Sharm El Sheikh only, Accor currently operates 8,338 keys, across 25 properties, nationwide, while running eight 405-key Nile boats. Moreover, the French hospitality company plans to develop nearly 19 hotels in Egypt, comprising 7,000 keys, in the near future.