Port Ghalib helps Egypt rake in dwindling tourist numbers

Recent top-billed events organised at the new Port Ghalib resort are part of the business plan for 2009-2011 that aims to boost Egypt’s tourist numbers, according to the project’s new chief executive.

US top female performer Beyonce electrified concert goers at the resort last weekend, while at the same time, sports enthusiasts were treated to the second round of UIM F2 World & Continental Powerboat Championship. Similarly, the port’s convention centre with a seating capacity of over 1500 delegates played host to the well attended environment conference (Montreal Protocol).

Whether these events garnered enough publicity to shine a spotlight on the port and bring the world’s attention to it, remains to be seen, but developers hope that inviting international acts to perform at the resort would help in marketing the area as one of the most exciting new luxury holiday destinations in the Middle East.

Egypt has received its fair share of the effects of the global financial crisis, especially on the country’s tourism industry. The economic meltdown weakened and resulted to the devaluation of currencies of Egypt’s major inbound tourist European markets like Italy, Britain Russia and Germany.

Tourism sector is crucial to the Egyptian economy; it provides employment to 12.6 per cent of the workforce and accounts for about 7 per cent of GDP. According to news reports, hardest hit were the Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El Shiekh, where hotels reported occupancy rates down by up to 40 per cent.

Port Ghalib boasts a new skyline

A few years ago Port Ghalib, located on the southern part of Egypt’s Red Sea, was an unending desolate large swathe of barren land that unfurled over 400 kilometres along the south Red Sea, creating the famed “Coral Coast’ of Egypt.

But now the area boasts a new skyline dotted with new retail outlets, delectable restaurants, and five international hotels to boot. Other attractions include: a large swimming lagoon, traditional Egyptian bazaar and a convention centre with a seating capacity of over 1500 delegates. Up above this hedonist paradise rest 600 luxury marina residences.

There is still a considerable amount of construction work around the port and developers insist that despite the activities in the area, all the architecture and structures have been uniquely designed to be in harmony with the surrounding environment, drawing their inspiration from traditional and historic designs.

Port Ghalib is being developed by a private Kuwaiti firm known as M.A. Kharafi Group, and according to the company’s website, the project is being developed as “a living, integrated community of distinction, activity and variety; that will set it apart from other resorts in the region.”

When completed, the area will comprise nine villages, featuring 23 hotels, an international marina and yacht club, conference centre, golf course, luxury residential properties, retail and commercial outlets, and entertainment facilities.

New CEO

This week, a new Chief Executive Officer was appointed to steer the port to success. Peter Riddoch, who was previously the CEO of Dubai based international real estate company, Damac Properties, will be based at the resort and has already taken over the reins.

While announcing Riddoch’s appointment, Eng Ibrahim Saleh, Vice President of Al-Kharafi Group said, “Port Ghalib is fast establishing itself as the most prestigious of the Red Sea resorts, attracting an ever growing number of visitors from Europe and the MENA region. The resort has seen visitor numbers increasing rapidly, and growing interest from the international travel, real estate, retail and leisure industry.”

In an interview with Alrroya.com, Riddoch, who is enthusiastic about the new job, predicts a better 2010.

“Port Ghalib is one of Egypt’s best kept secrets, appealing to young and old alike. It represents an exciting opportunity for me, and it’s an honour to be given the role of putting the project firmly on the map of worldwide luxury resorts,” he says.

A better year for tourism

Despite the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) saying that the global tourism industry will suffer its sharpest contraction in decades this year and next, Riddoch sees differently.

“Egypt remains a top tourist destination and year on year the Marsa Alam International Airport has seen double digit growth with forecasts from tour operators showing that this will continue in 2010,” he says, adding that the recent events which included UIM F2, Beyonce and environment conference (Montreal Protocol) have been well attended and they formed a part of the business plan for 2009-2011.”

“Egypt has enjoyed over 5 per cent economic growth in 2009 and along with India and China is performing much better than the “developed world”. The country has a growing middle class which continues to be a contributing factor in the economy on general and in port Ghalib in particular,” Riddoch says.

He adds that plans are afoot to target other markets which have recently proved to be a major benefit to the country’s tourism sector.

“Port Ghalib is a great product: it’s a fantastic destination – an integrated community with world class, five star hotels, traditional and international retail outlets, a range of high end real estate opportunities, and the best equipped and modern marina in the Red Sea.”

Dubai resident Emad El Khrafi, who hails from the southern region, says that Port Ghalib is an embodiment of excitement and adventure.

“Whether it’s trekking in the desert mountain, sailing, yachting and fishing or just exploring the old ruins, the experience is unforgettable.

“The port offers many outdoor activities, from scuba diving to desert safaris. At night visitors can browse the traditional Egyptian souk or eat and drink in the several bars and restaurants the resort offers,” El Khrafi adds.

When asked on whether the development of Port Ghalib resort will compete with other already established Red Sea resorts or complement them, Riddoch says that the market potential is huge and open for local, regional and international players. Port Ghalib is a world class destination appealling to customers from across the world.