Cairo, Egypt, November 18, 2002: The first of three hotel properties now operated by Six Continents Hotels in Alexandria has officially opened for business under its new management, marking the arrival of the InterContinental brand in Egypt’s second city.
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His excellency, the General Governor of Australia , Peter Hollingworth, was the first guest to be welcomed at InterContinental Le Metropole Alexandria, the former Paradise Inn Metropole Hotel. The official hotel opening coincided with the historical opening of the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina and dignitaries received a special commemorative Silver Medallion on the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of the hotel, built in 1902.

Robert Zogbi, Regional Director Operations for Six Continents Hotels’ properties in South Sinai, Egypt, and General Manager of the hotel, said: “We are particularly excited about bringing our hotel brands to Alexandria. With 80% of Egypt’s imports and exports going through the city, this is an important market for business and leisure travellers.”

The hotel was one of three Alexandria properties which joined the Six Continents Hotels portfolio in Egypt earlier this year as the result of a management agreement between the Middle East’s biggest hotel operator and the Hannovill Egypt Tours Company.

Also included in the management agreement are the InterContinental Windsor Palace and the Holiday Inn Resort Alexandria, which will both officially open for business under new management shortly.

Ahmed Attia, Chairman of Hannovill Egypt Tours Company, commented: “We are delighted that these hotels are to be managed by Six Continents Hotels. InterContinental and Holiday Inn are two of the strongest and most respected brands around the world.”

Built a century ago by Greek and Italian architects and classified as a “Heritage” property InterContinental Le Metropole Alexandria is a boutique hotel characterised by period style interiors, and is situated in the heart of Old Alexandria, overlooking the Mediterranean.

It offers 66 classic period-style rooms and suites, an all-day restaurant serving French and Middle Eastern cuisine, a multi-purpose function hall with two breakout rooms, and a business centre.

Six Continents Hotels currently manages ten InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts in Egypt among a portfolio of 34 properties in the Middle East.

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