Gewan Hotels & Resorts Unveils a Strategic Expansion in Egyptian Hospitality with Five Rebranded Properties
In this Interview, Ahmed Hassib, CEO and Co-Founder of Gewan Hotels & Resorts, elaborates on the brand's unique philosophy, shares insights on the company's vision, and outlines the ambitious trajectory for the brand's continued growth within Egypt and across the region.
Ahmed Hassib, CEO and Co-Founder of Gewan Hotels & Resorts
Congratulations on Gewan Hotels & Resorts' entry into Egypt's hospitality scene. Could you tell us more about the five iconic properties your group will be rebranding, and why Egypt was chosen as a key market?
Egypt has always offered exceptional potential for hospitality investment, not only due to its rich cultural and touristic legacy but also its strategic growth in the hospitality and tourism sector and infrastructure over the past decade. As an Egyptian-rooted brand with regional ambitions, it was both a natural and strategic decision to solidify our presence here.
We're proud to be rebranding and operating five distinct properties under the Gewan Hotels & Resorts portfolio: Gewan Palace New Alamein, a flagship luxury destination blending classical architecture with contemporary elegance; Gewan Luxury Resort New Alamein, a serene retreat along the North Coast designed for high-end leisure and exclusive family stays; Gewan White Beach Resort, a beachfront paradise capturing the essence of Mediterranean charm with modern comfort; Gewan Resort New Alamein, a modern, family-friendly resort tailored for elevated yet approachable holiday experiences; and Gewan Hotel Cairo, located in the heart of the capital, redefining urban hospitality with personalized service and a business-leisure balance.
Our entry into Egypt reflects our long-term belief in its tourism revival and the growing demand for locally managed, globally inspired hotel experiences.
The rebranding goes beyond a name change. With the brand promise of 'Redefining the Future of Hospitality,' how do you ensure delivering on that vision across all properties?
'Redefining the Future of Hospitality' isn't just a tagline for us; it's a deeply embedded philosophy in our operations, upheld by five key pillars. We personalize every guest's stay, from leisure to corporate, using their insights to create tailored guest experiences. Our commitment to operational excellence is demonstrated in our team's training, which combines international service standards with the Gewan brand ethos. We ensure each property is deeply rooted in its local surroundings while delivering global sophistication, embodying local identity, and global comfort. Furthermore, we embrace innovation to enhance the guest journey through smart hospitality, offering everything from tech-enabled rooms to seamless check-ins. Finally, we prioritize talent and leadership by empowering our teams with ongoing development, guaranteeing a consistent, sincere, and evolving Gewan experience.
What distinct elements will Gewan bring to the five properties and Egypt's hospitality landscape?
Gewan brings a unique blend of Egyptian authenticity, regional expertise, and international standards. We stand out because we're not just operators; we're deeply invested in the long-term value of our properties, ensuring ownership with operational integrity. We provide flexible luxury that is refined yet accessible, catering to today's diverse travelers. Guests will experience cultural hospitality reimagined, feeling the spirit of Egypt through our architecture, food, service rituals, and storytelling. Additionally, our hotels actively participate in their communities, supporting local artisans and hosting cultural programs, demonstrating our commitment to community integration. These elements ensure Gewan is more than just another brand; it's a brand with purpose and a strong identity.
How will Gewan blend local culture with world-class experience?
We approach this blend with intentionality and respect. Each of our properties reflects its locale, from design details and locally sourced cuisine to guest activities and staff storytelling. The goal is to create a dialogue between the place and the guest, where the experience feels both authentic and elevated.
Can you tell us about Gewan's future expansion plans in Egypt and the region?
At Gewan Hotels & Resorts, our approach to expansion is always grounded in strategic evaluation, market demand, and long-term sustainability. Egypt is a market rich in opportunity, and our current footprint is only the beginning.
While we're proud of our existing properties, we are actively exploring future prospects across both the North Coast and key urban destinations, with a clear focus on locations that align with our vision for top-notch hospitality.
Our goal is not just to grow in number but to expand thoughtfully, ensuring that each new addition strengthens the brand's identity and brings value to both our guests and stakeholders. We're currently in the assessment phase for several opportunities and will proceed with measured steps that reflect both market readiness and our brand standards.
As CEO and Co-Founder, what key philosophies or decisions have helped shape Gewan's position today?
Our growth is continuously shaped by three core philosophies. Firstly, guest-centricity dictates that every aspect of our operations begins and ends with the guest experience, as we build brands around people, not just properties. Secondly, we embrace agility with vision, meaning we adapt quickly to changing landscapes while always keeping our long-term goals firmly in sight. Lastly, our team-first leadership recognizes our people as our strongest asset, understanding that empowered teams are essential for creating exceptional guest experiences. A key decision early on was to build our brand on regional excellence rather than global imitation, which has allowed us to create something original, sustainable, and truly aligned with the needs of our market.
Finally, a few words on what this expansion into Egypt means for Gewan?
This expansion marks a return to our roots, both personally and as a brand. Egypt represents growth, opportunity, and legacy; it's where we're reconnecting with heritage while introducing a new standard of hospitality.
As I often say, 'We don't just build hotels, we create destinations where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. Gewan's journey in Egypt is just the beginning, and the future holds limitless promise.'
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