Archive for Hurghada
Crown of Thorns Survey and Cleanup
Posted by: | CommentsOn Thursday, the 17th of March, HEPCA organized a Crown of Thorns survey and cleanup at Carless Reef.
HEPCA scientists and divers along with volunteer divers from Hurghada carried out a survey and collection dive at Carless Reef, north of Hurghada. This mission came about as a result of recent reports of a Crown of Thorns outbreak at the reef. After initial surveys at and around the reef, it was discovered that a spot outbreak (i. e. limited to a specific location) was in-progress at the reef.
A HEPCA statement was sent out and volunteers gathered at HEPCA premises on Wednesday the 16th for a cleanup and collection training session given by HEPCA scientists.
The survey and cleanup discovered that the Crown of Thorns were not actively feeding and had not spread from the North side of Carless Reef. More than one hundred creatures were gathered by the volunteers. It was discovered that they were all close to maturity which means that the outbreak would have spread dramatically in the coming months and years had they not been collected.
HEPCA scientists warned that the situation needs continued monitoring and further cleanup of the reef is required.
For anyone diving in the Red Sea, click here to download a Crown of Thorns sighting report sheet or visit the HEPCA website for additional information.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts To Open Its Fourth Property In Hurghada Egypt
Posted by: | CommentsHilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Afak Co. for Touristic Development Co., one of the Egyptian Engineers Companies (Zaghloul Holdings), for the newly built 676-room Hilton Makadi Resort, the fourth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Hurghada, Egypt.
The hotel is expected to open its doors as a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in June 2011 with the 330 rooms that make up phase one of the project. Phase two, the final 346 rooms, is expected to open by Q2 2012. Situated in a prime location in the new area of Makadi Bay, about 30km south of Hurghada and 35km from Hurghada International Airport, the hotel overlooks the Red Sea front with a 400-meter, private sandy beach.
“Our brand’s global growth, particularly in the resort and leisure segment, continues at a rapid pace as we mark the signing of another Hilton property in Egypt. Hilton Makadi Resort will be a great addition to the market — offering guests our very own Hilton-style, world-class service and forward-thinking approach in a spectacular setting with beautiful Red Sea views,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.
Hurghada, Egypt is also home to Hilton Hurghada Resort, Hilton Hurghada Plaza and Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort. The newest Hilton Hotels & Resorts property, the Hilton Makadi Resort, will feature two meeting rooms, three lounges, an all-day dining and two speciality restaurants and will offer three swimming pools, a health club, spa, and diving center for leisure in addition to a private beach; it will be the 17th Hilton Worldwide property in the country.
“Our flagship brand first entered Hurghada in 1995.Since then the area has developed rapidly and it continues to be a growing tourist destination.Makadi Bay, in particular, is a great location for our newest hotel along the Egyptian Red Sea coast.” said Jean-Paul Herzog, area president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa.
“Hilton Hotels & Resorts enjoys tremendous brand recognition in Egypt, which made them a natural choice for us. As the country continues to witness a growth in tourism and with the increasing popularity of Hurghada as an international destination, we’re delighted Hilton will manage our new property and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.” said Hazem Saad Zaghloul, chairman, Afak Co. for Touristic Development Co.
Source: Hotel Interactive (http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=19054)
EasyJet flights to Egypt disrupted by fuel row
Posted by: | CommentsEasyJet services to and from Egypt have been disrupted by a dispute over fuel, with flights to the UK from Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheik delayed overnight.
The budget carrier announced it would change its fuel supplier immediately after passengers at Sharm el-Sheik were told their flight was delayed due to unpaid bills.
EasyJet insisted it had no outstanding invoices. The carrier only recently expanded its services to Egypt by adding flights to Luxor.
It confirmed three flights were disrupted overnight – from Luxor to Gatwick, Hurghada to Gatwick and Sharm el-Sheik to Luton. EasyJet reported delays to some departures today.
Source: Travel Weekly (http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/35364/easyjet+flights+to+egypt+disrupted+by+fuel+row.html)
New airport terminal set to boost interest in Hurghada
Posted by: | CommentsThe Red Sea resort of Hurghada in Egypt is set for a boost as plans for a new terminal at the international airport are announced.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has signed contracts with a Saudi Arabian development group to construct the new terminal which will increase capacity from some 6.7 million to 7.5 million passengers annually. Located 5km from downtown Hurghada, the new terminal will cover 92,000 sq.m and cost of construction is estimated at 587 million Egyptian Pounds (approx £66 million). Completion is scheduled for 2011.
With Hurghada international airport the primary gateway to the popular holiday destinations of the Red Sea coast the additional capacity of the new terminal can only spell good news for tourism and in turn the second property market. As Steven Worboys, MD of international property experts, Experience International, comments:
“Interest in the Hurghada area as a location for a second property ownership has been strong, especially as the region has developed into an established tourism destination in recent years. The announcement of the new terminal is encouraging for property owners who will enjoy greater access to their own homes as well as capitalising on the opportunity to generate rental income from additional visitors to the area.”
For those interested in owning a second property with guaranteed rental income in Hurghada then the Florenza Khasmin development, located only 15 minutes from the international airport, is the right choice. With studios apartments available from only £21,000 and 6% guaranteed rental income and up to 4 weeks personal usage available investors had better move fast before the 15% price increase due at the beginning of February 2010.
There has never been a better time to visit Egypt with the Post Office’s latest report (Jan 2010) stating that holiday makers should consider making a visit to the non euro zone country, only five hours flying time from the UK, to take advantage of the exchange rate. Calculating which currencies have moved most in favour against sterling over the last year, Egypt was placed in the top 3 with the Pound strengthening against the Egyptian pound by 14%.
Source: Easier.com (http://www.easier.com/65335-new-airport-terminal-boost-interest-hurghada.html)
