Sofitel El Gouna Resort Set to Elevate Red Sea Hospitality with Major Renovation and Expansion Plans
(IN SHORT) Accor and Orascom Development Egypt have agreed to reposition Mövenpick El Gouna as the Sofitel El Gouna Resort through a major renovation starting in 2027. Located in the Red Sea destination of El Gouna, the project will create a flagship luxury resort featuring 420 rooms, premium dining, wellness facilities and event spaces. The initiative reflects growing demand for high-end tourism experiences in Egypt and aims to enhance El Gouna’s global appeal. It also strengthens Sofitel’s presence in the country while supporting the destination’s long-term development as a premium international lifestyle hub.
(PRESS RELEASE) CAIRO, Egypt, 2026-Apr-1 — /Travel PR News/ — Accor and Orascom Development Egypt have signed a management agreement to transform the existing Mövenpick El Gouna into the Sofitel El Gouna Resort, marking a major step in expanding luxury hospitality offerings along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
The project will involve a comprehensive, phased renovation beginning in 2027, repositioning the property as a flagship under the Sofitel banner. Developed in collaboration with Arabian Peninsula Hospitality, the initiative reflects a shared ambition to elevate the status of El Gouna as a leading international lifestyle destination.
Situated along the Red Sea and just 30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport, El Gouna has developed into a year-round coastal community known for its integrated infrastructure, international population and vibrant cultural scene. With more than 18 hotels, extensive dining options and global events such as film festivals and sporting competitions, the destination continues to attract a diverse international audience.
The future Sofitel El Gouna Resort will occupy a unique beachfront peninsula offering both sea and lagoon access, positioning it as a central anchor within the destination’s hospitality landscape. The redevelopment aims to deliver a large-scale luxury experience that blends Sofitel’s signature French-inspired elegance with local Egyptian influences.
Maud Bailly emphasized that Egypt remains a key market for the brand, noting that El Gouna provides an ideal setting to combine natural beauty, cultural richness and global lifestyle appeal. Eskandar Tooma highlighted the project’s role in reinforcing the destination’s premium positioning, while Mohamed Amer underlined its importance in attracting international visitors and strengthening the town’s global profile.
Following renovation, the resort will feature 420 redesigned rooms and suites, alongside a range of dining venues, wellness facilities including a spa and fitness centre, and dedicated meeting and event spaces catering to both leisure and business travellers.
The conversion reflects broader trends in Egypt’s tourism sector, where demand for high-end, experience-driven hospitality is growing. Ali Dayekh noted that the project aligns with long-term plans to enhance El Gouna’s standing as a world-class destination offering quality living and refined experiences.
The addition of Sofitel El Gouna Resort will further strengthen the brand’s footprint in Egypt, complementing properties such as Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah and Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, while supporting future developments including Sofitel Legend Giza Pyramids.
ABOUT EL GOUNA
El Gouna, the fully integrated town by Orascom Development, has been the most prominent destination nestled on the Red Sea on an area of 36.9 million square meters for more than 35 years. The town encompasses 9,200 delivered residential units, 18 hotels with 2,800 rooms, schools offering various international curricula including Swiss and British certifications, an international hospital, start-up workspace facility, four marinas, two world-class golf courses, an Egyptian Premier League football club, a culture & conference center, and an array of services.
With a population of more than 25,000 residents of 50+ nationalities, El Gouna is only 30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport, which is only a four-hour flight from Europe’s major capitals.
Each of El Gouna’s hotels is characterized by unique architectural charm. From the Upper Nubian flair of Steigenberger to the Asian-inspired design of The Chedi, which is part of The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, and Casa Cook’s down-to-earth yet stylish aesthetic, there’s a hotel for every taste. The interior design across these hotels is sleek and understated, prioritizing maximum comfort. Dining in El Gouna is a culinary delight, with impeccable options featuring flavors from locally sourced ingredients, including supplies from El Gouna’s own farm. The town also offers a curated selection of spas, blending oriental and far Eastern treatments for a holistic relaxation experience.
For more information, please visit elgouna.com
ABOUT SOFITEL
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury with a French zest. A seamless blend of the richness of each local culture and the French joie de vivre, the brand delights travelers who appreciate delicacy and subtle refinement, offering them heartfelt and authentic service. At Sofitel, beauty is in the details: life’s simple pleasures such as gastronomy and sleep are art forms for an incomparable experience. Sofitel now boasts more than 120 hotels, all elegant and unique, in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Among its most remarkable properties: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma and Sofitel Ambassador Seoul. The brand also offers a selection of heritage luxury hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner, renowned for their timeless elegance and fascinating history, such as Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. More recently, the brand also unveiled its first Sofitel Residences, redefining luxury living with prestigious properties that combine elegant design with Sofitel’s renowned service and sophistication. Sofitel is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,800 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
sofitel.com | all.com | group.accor.com
Press Contacts:
Audrey De Sousa
Senior Director Corporate Communication Sofitel
Audrey.de-sousa@accor.com
Kanzy Mahmoud
Senior Communication and PR Manager El Gouna
Kanzy.mahmoud@orascomhd.com
SOURCE: ACCOR
