Accor and Orascom Development Egypt Sign Agreement to Transform Mövenpick El Gouna into Luxury Sofitel Resort by 2027
CAIRO, EGYPT: Accor, a prominent player in the global hospitality sector, has entered into a management agreement with Orascom Development Egypt to rebrand the Mövenpick El Gouna as the Sofitel El Gouna Resort. This transformation marks a significant milestone in Accor’s expansion of its luxury portfolio in Egypt, with renovations set to commence in 2027.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Orascom Development Egypt and Arabian Peninsula Hospitality, aimed at enhancing El Gouna, a premium coastal destination on the Red Sea. This project seeks to merge lifestyle, culture, and hospitality, reflecting a shared vision among the partners.
El Gouna has established itself as a hub for art, culture, and entertainment, hosting events such as the El Gouna Film Festival and international sporting competitions. The town is home to a diverse community of over 50 nationalities, attracting around one million visitors each year.
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, noted that Egypt holds a special significance in the brand’s history. She emphasized that the new Sofitel El Gouna Resort will embody a unique blend of nature, community, and an international lifestyle, aiming to create a landmark resort that honors both local identity and French elegance.
A Flagship Resort in El Gouna
Situated along the Red Sea, El Gouna is characterized by its year-round sunny climate, waterfront living, and vibrant marina lifestyle. Over the past 36 years, it has developed into a thriving destination, featuring more than 18 hotels, five schools, a hospital, and various business hubs.
The town’s accessibility is notable, being just 30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport and within a five-hour flight from major European cities. This strategic location enhances its appeal to both residents and visitors.
El Gouna’s hospitality landscape is further enriched by over 100 dining options, setting a new standard for the region. The Sofitel El Gouna Resort will occupy a unique beachfront peninsula, providing both sea and lagoon access, which will be integral to its design as a large-scale luxury resort.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
The project aligns with El Gouna’s strategy to offer premium experiences to both visitors and residents. Dr. Eskandar Tooma, Chairman of Orascom Development Egypt, highlighted that the addition of Sofitel reflects a commitment to quality hospitality and confidence in the growth vision for El Gouna.
Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna, stated that the partnership with Accor and Sofitel aims to elevate El Gouna’s status as a global destination. He emphasized the importance of the resort’s exceptional location and integrated design in attracting international visitors.
Following the renovation, the Sofitel El Gouna Resort will feature 420 rooms and suites, designed to embody Sofitel’s signature art de vivre. The interiors will blend contemporary sophistication with elements of Egyptian heritage, creating an immersive atmosphere.
The resort will also offer a diverse culinary scene, leisure facilities, and dedicated meeting spaces, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.
Supporting Egypt’s Tourism Growth
This transformation of Mövenpick El Gouna into a luxury resort is part of a broader trend in Egypt’s hospitality sector, which is increasingly focused on high-end and experiential offerings. The Red Sea Riviera is gaining recognition as a year-round destination, and the Sofitel El Gouna Resort is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution.
Dr. Ali Dayekh, President and CEO of Arabian Peninsula Hospitality, stated that the project aligns with the vision to maintain El Gouna’s status as a world-class destination. He emphasized the importance of integrating internationally recognized standards with the town’s unique identity and community spirit.
Strengthening Sofitel’s Presence in Egypt
The establishment of Sofitel El Gouna Resort underscores the brand’s commitment to Egypt as a key luxury market. This addition complements existing properties such as Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah and Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, while also paving the way for future developments, including the anticipated Sofitel Legend Giza Pyramids in 2028.
Through this expansion, Sofitel aims to offer travelers a distinctive blend of French art de vivre and local authenticity in some of the world’s most sought-after locations.
About El Gouna
El Gouna, developed by Orascom Development, spans 36.9 million square meters and has been a leading destination on the Red Sea for over 35 years. The town features 9,200 residential units, 18 hotels with 2,800 rooms, schools with international curricula, an international hospital, and various amenities, including marinas and golf courses.
With a population exceeding 25,000 residents from over 50 nationalities, El Gouna is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport, making it accessible to major European capitals.
El Gouna’s hotels are known for their unique architectural styles, offering a range of experiences from luxury to boutique accommodations. The culinary scene is diverse, with options that highlight locally sourced ingredients, and the town provides a variety of wellness and relaxation services.
For more information, please visit elgouna.com.
About Sofitel
Sofitel has been a pioneer in French luxury hospitality since 1964, combining local culture with the French joie de vivre. The brand operates over 120 hotels globally, known for their elegance and unique offerings. Sofitel is part of Accor, a leading hospitality group with over 5,800 properties in more than 110 countries.
For further details, visit sofitel.com.
Media Relations Contact:
Audrey De Sousa
Senior Director Corporate Communication
Audrey.de-sousa@accor.com
Kanzy Mahmoud
Senior Communication and PR Manager El Gouna
Kanzy.mahmoud@orascomhd.com
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-03-31 16:22:00 • By the Editorial Desk
