Orascom Development, a leading developer of integrated towns with a strong foothold in Egypt and Middle East, on Wednesday held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the construction of its first integrated holiday resort in Swiss alps.

The Andermatt resort, to be built at an investment of over CHF1 billion ($968 million), comprises six hotels with 844 rooms, 490 apartments, 20-30 villas as well as considerable infrastructure and leisure facilities including a golf course, sports centre, conference centre and concert hall, modernized ski installations), said a company statement.

During the first phase of development, the Chedi hotel, basic infrastructure as well as an 18-hole championship golf course will be built.

The project is expected to be operational by the winter of 2013 - 14. The sales of the real estate units are due to commence this autumn, Orascom Development added.

The Andermatt project is designed to the highest ecological standards and targets to be operated on a carbon-neutral basis. Furthermore, the centre of the resort will be totally car free to reduce emissions and pollution.

Additional sustainable solutions will be achieved by environmental friendly construction processes, the company said, adding that the alps project will help create 1,000 new jobs and the long-term commitment of Orascom Development to the successful realization of the project.

The luxurious 5-star hotel will be built on a total area of 28,000 sqm and is expected to cover more than 50,000 sqm built-up area.

It will offer 50 hotel rooms, 70 condominiums including six penthouses within the hotel building, 49 residences including seven lofts adjacent to the hotel, two restaurants, a lounge, several bars & pubs, and an exclusive wellness area with a state-of-the art health center.

The Chedi Andermatt architectural and interior designs were designed by Denniston International Architects & Planners.

The hotel will be operated by GHM General Hotel Management, an international hotel operator renowned  for its consistent standards of luxurious quality, exclusivity and outstanding personalized services.-TradeArabia News Service