Conducted by: Khaled Al-Amin and Abeer El-Sayed
Photo Credit: Ahmed Saber
Our plan is to develop in all touristic sites in Egypt… This target is non-negotiable
The government provides all what the sector requires
A working woman has a complete different personality than housewives The most effective players in tourism now are domestic travelers
In last weeks issue ,we revealed Dina Naeem’s insights on the tourism status in Egypt ,she spoke of the bright surrounding atmosphere ,and how it is reflecting a near exit .A conclusion to the bottleneck we’ve been stuck in for the past five years .Her tone was positive ,she gave optimistic forecasts that tourism would be freshened-up in a very short course of time .Due to the nature of her position -as Starwoods ‘Regional Pr Director -Ms Dina interacts with touristic updates and how rapid the sector flows on daily basis .She operates with both domestic and international institutes ,as she monitors how progressive tourism developments are maintained . Which gives her a strategic eye on the sectors engagements ,one qualified enough to give virtuous predictions and feasible solutions to such holdup .In her opinion ,the most vital player in tourism now is the domestic travelers ,youngsters who find their relief in a weekend by the beach, around cool moods, under breezy weather and a warm sun…
The new sites that had been brought up to light, spots like Marsa Allam, Ras Sedr, Siwa, South Sinai and many likes… are being vigorously operative, and developments are expanding by both local and international investors. “Starwoods itself has a plan to expand in Marsa Allam. Nothing is under our hands for sure yet to confirm it, but it has been considered as an option on the table. Our plan is to develop in all touristic sites in Egypt, this target is non-negotiable” Ms Dina added.
There are places that do not need tall buildings and luxurious designs, the site itself is naturally designed your only need to provide traditional huts and bungalows, mainly basic services. Like Siwa Oasis and South Sinai, they are heavenly decorated. People spend their holidays there to “avoid technology”, she further expressed! Starwoods has one of its finest Le Meridian located in Dahab, South Sinai, we appreciate the beauty and calmness of those lands and build our Resorts according to the surrounding environment and travelers needs.
As for the government, she sees it heading the right direction; “To be honest, the government is providing all what the sector requires. The Minister of Tourism Hisham Zazou, had agreed to launch a huge marketing campaign to promote tourism in Egypt, like I’ve previously mentioned under the hash-tag This is Egypt. The government is executing great efforts, and we are -as the Hotel sector- working hand-in- hand to achieve our common interests of promoting tourism back to Egypt.” Ms Dina stated.
The coordination is through offering discounts on reservations, same seasons the government offers promotions on flight tickets, and that’s in the nature of our responsibilities, she added. What is noteworthy to mention is that tourism as a sector has no deficiencies, we are ready to absorb whatever number of tourists, we are fully equipped to host what we used to host before the 2011th revolution. It is “Egypt as a destination that faces real challenges”, she informed us. The image presented by western media to foreigners, reflects negative impacts on the state of insecurity and political instability -which is ultimately a false image. Only one false headline by CNN and “it’s over” she uttered.
Ms Naeem’s take on women’s role in the Egyptian community, we found that she had a realistic vision. Claiming that women’s role is big, its vital, “the working woman has a completely different personality than the housewife”, she stated. Opportunities are equally presented, if women are more qualified than men, they would for, no doubt, win the post they’re applying for. Now women labour is a fundamental element in our society, its not something that’s put aside anymore. Women now also have financial responsibilities, besides of course raising the kids and taking care of the house. Its hard to find time to manage and provide for all this, it needs sophistication and supernatural scheduling skills. “Women are in general clever, they are able to operate in multitasking manners, unlike men who could genuinely provide good quality for one thing only. He cannot work, study, take care of the house and cook, us women on the other hand, we could do it all from work, we supervise by instructions through the phone”. Ms Naeem concluded.
Starwoods has been operating in Egypt for around 45 years, we originally had Sheraton, Le Meridian trademarks, and we lately added Westin to our list. The first Westin Golf, Resort and Spa was inaugurated last November, in Suma Bay near Hurghada, the second to be opened next June-July, is Westin Kattameya Resort -in Kattameya Dunes. Of course next September would witness St. Regis Hotel’s introduction to the Egyptian market and the trademark W by the year 2020.
For her dreams, Ms Naeem shared with us glimpses on her future plan! “Well where I am today was LIKE a dream to me few years ago, I thank God I’m here now. I would love to open my private chain of luxury restaurants, or build my own meditation retreat in one of the newly shinning spots.” Ms Naeem expressed.
