Ritz-Carlton expands in Egypt with first Cairo hotel

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel has announced plans to continue its expansion in Egypt with its first hotel in Cairo.

Plans are in place to convert the 431-room Nile Hilton, strategically located along Nile to a Ritz-Carlton. The property is owned by Misr Hotels, a subsidiary of The Holding Company for Tourism, Hotels and Cinema, a statement said.

Simon F Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, "Our plans for The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, are wide-ranging, and will include conversion of certain facilities to re-establish the hotel to its status as the leading property in the region."

"We also continue to explore other opportunities and destinations in the country," Cooper added. "With the growth in tourism, the increasing strength of the Egyptian economy, the sustained development of the infrastructure required, and the investment support from within the Egyptian tourism and hospitality sector, we see expansion within Egypt to be an important future strategy," he said.

The hotel will still be The Nile Hilton, Cairo in January next year and will continue to welcome guests. A complete restoration and renovation of the half-century old property will commence in mid 2009 for approximately 18 to 24 months. The aim is to transform the hotel into a contemporary luxury hotel worthy of The Ritz-Carlton brand when it re-opens, while preserving its iconic heritage, a statement said.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is present in key gateway cities and exclusive destinations. It enjoys a significant presence in the region with five hotels and resorts in Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar. Recently announced future properties include Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Financial Centre. The new hotel will be the first for the company in Cairo, and the second in Egypt after The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel manages 72 luxury hotels across the globe.