The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a leader in global luxury hospitality, has announced plans to continue its rapid expansion in Egypt with its first hotel in the capital city.  Owned by Misr Hotels, a subsidiary of The Holding Company for Tourism, Hotels and Cinema, plans are in place to convert the 431-room Nile Hilton, strategically located along the famous river in the heart of bustling downtown Cairo, to a full-fledged Ritz-Carlton hotel after an extensive renovation period.

“We are honored to have been selected by Misr Hotels to assume management of this iconic hotel,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.  “The hotel’s prime location in the literal center of the city combined with The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service will produce memorable stays for all our guests when it re-opens after the restoration phase.  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,” Mr. Humler, 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.”

The aim is to transform the venerable hotel into a modern benchmark for contemporary luxury hospitality worthy of The Ritz-Carlton brand when it re-opens, while preserving its iconic heritage.  

“Our selection of The Ritz-Carlton is based on a very strict assessment of the company’s renowned stature in the hospitality industry,” commented Aly Abdel Aziz, chairman and chief executive officer of The Holding Company for Tourism, Hotels and Cinema.  “The presence of The Ritz-Carlton in the heart of the city, paralleled with the extensive efforts of the Egyptian government to upgrade and improve the entire infrastructure of the industry is an affirmation of its serious commitment to attract new development projects and improve the entire investment environment in Egypt.”

“We carefully considered offers from many global management companies proposing to add this hotel to their collection of luxury properties,” said Fathi Nour, chairman of Misr Hotels Company.  “Ultimately, the offer by The Ritz-Carlton, a company with a reputation for service excellence and award-winning corporate culture, was retained to restore and manage this iconic property.”

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is present in key gateway cities and exclusive destinations. Its reputation for exceptional customer quality has been recognized throughout the world with coveted awards marking their leadership in the luxury hospitality field. It enjoys a significant presence in the region with outstanding hotels and resorts in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Recently announced future properties include Abu Dhabi. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo will be the first for the company in the capital city, and the second in the country after The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh.