He noted that tourism is a profitable investment industry that brings in foreign currency, creates job opportunities, and boosts the value of real estate assets.
Azmy welcomed the decision by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy to license hotel apartments under the ministry’s supervision (so-called “Holiday Homes”), stating that these will not negatively impact major hotel operations. Instead, they will attract a new segment of tourists looking for clean, safe, and moderately priced accommodations. However, he emphasized the need to increase the number of three-star hotel rooms, expand airports, and improve infrastructure and services to further stimulate tourism activity.
About Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan
Speaking about the capabilities of Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan, a landmark in modern hospitality in Egypt located in the heart of Sheikh Zayed inside the renowned Arkan Plaza, Azmy, who brings over 25 years of hotel experience, emphasized their commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience. He highlighted the hotel’s strategic location—just 10 minutes from the Grand Egyptian Museum and 20 minutes from Sphinx International Airport—making it an ideal destination for both tourists and business travelers.
Azmy described the hotel as one that relies on smart technology and communication, employing younger generations to ensure fast responsiveness and better understanding of guest needs.
He explained that the hotel includes 178 rooms and suites, a banquet hall accommodating 350 people, a meeting room with 110 seats, and a massive parking garage that fits 3,500 vehicles. It is the first Crowne Plaza in the Middle East, Africa, and India to launch with the brand’s new design. The mezzanine floor also features a private business studio, allowing business travelers to work efficiently without leaving the hotel.
Seasonal Trends and Regional Impact
Azmy stated that guest demographics vary by season:
• Corporate bookings increase during winter due to the hotel’s proximity to the Smart Village and industrial zones in 6th of October City and Sadat City.
• Gulf and European tourists, especially Saudis, frequent the hotel more during summer and holidays, largely due to the nearby Sphinx Airport.
On the impact of the Grand Egyptian Museum, he noted that even its soft opening significantly boosted demand for hotels in West Cairo. With the official inauguration, he expects bookings to double, highlighting that the hotel offers a complete tourist experience—from visiting the Pyramids to enjoying shopping and dining at Arkan Mall’s local and international outlets.
New Hotel Projects and Investment Expansion
Azmy noted that the growing demand in the area has encouraged Arkan Palm to collaborate with IHG to sign management contracts for three new hotel brands in the 205 Project along the 26th of July Corridor:
• Holiday Inn Express
• Voco Suites (first of its kind in Egypt)
• InterContinental
He expects two hotels to open in 2026 and the third in 2028, bringing a total of 823 new hotel rooms to the Egyptian tourism market.
Employment, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility
The hotel currently employs 320 full-time staff, with increased numbers during peak seasons. The workforce is notably diverse in age and culture, with 20% women. Azmy emphasized the hotel’s dedication to inclusion of people of determination, offering real employment opportunities backed by specialized training and empowerment programs. He stressed that this reflects the hotel’s belief in their potential as productive, impactful individuals.
Crowne Plaza Arkan also participates in international tourism exhibitions under the Egyptian pavilion to stay updated and build connections with global tour operators. The management plans to showcase at Tourism Expo in Tokyo and TICM in China to open new markets and promote the upcoming hotels set for 2026 and 2028.
Smart Services & Guest Experience
A key highlight of staying at Crowne Plaza West Cairo – Arkan is its reliance on technology in every service aspect. For example, the hotel restaurants feature digital menus, allowing guests to browse offerings on their smartphones and place orders seamlessly—enhancing convenience and saving time. This digital system reflects the hotel’s philosophy of delivering modern, efficient service in tune with contemporary lifestyles.
Azmy’s Professional Journey
Azmy graduated from the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels and began his career in the mid-1990s with field training at various international hotels. His professional path began with InterContinental Cairo Semiramis in 1999, followed by a move to Crowne Plaza Sharm El Sheikh in 2002.
His most significant tenure was at InterContinental Cairo CityStars, where he spent 17 years (2004–2021), progressing from Assistant Front Office Manager to Resident Manager. He described this period as a true learning experience that shaped his professional identity.
In 2021, Azmy took on the role of General Manager at Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan, overseeing its grand opening on February 22, 2022, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and strict health protocols, while many hotels were partially or fully shutting down.
Community Engagement and Awards
Azmy underscored that community engagement is a core element of the hotel’s strategy. Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan has received IHG’s Giving for Good award (or Most Active Hotel in Social Responsibility) twice, due to its consistent contributions to:
• Supporting orphanages
• Caring for the elderly
• Providing water access to remote villages
• Donating to food, clothing, and blood banks
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