Kuwait-based conglomerate MA Kharafi Group has entered into an agreement with Egypt Air Express for operating direct flights twice a week to Port Ghalib in Egypt from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Egypt Air Express will also connect Port Ghalib with other Egyptian cities such as Luxor, Alexandria, Abu Simbel and Sharm-Al-Sheikh.

The carrier is already providing services to Marsa Alam, a BOT (Build-operate and transfer) airport operated by Al-Kharafi Group.

Marsa Alam International Airport presently offers direct flights to a number of European countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, Russia and France among other countries.

'We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Egypt Air and it’s a historic moment for us as we have now connected these three countries with direct flights to Port Ghalib,' said Ibrahim Saleh, vice president of the Kharafi Group – Egypt after signing the agreement with Helmy Rizk, chairman of Egypt Air Express.

Combining idyllic beaches and the inviting Red Sea with an impressive range of activities and facilities, there is something for everyone at Port Ghalib from families, couples, business travellers, eco-tourists and adventurers to divers, sports enthusiasts and yachtsmen, Saleh pointed out.

'The area off the coast from the resort is widely regarded as one of the richest areas in the world for coral and marine life and has some of the world’s most famous dive sites including Daedalus Reef, Brothers Island, Zabargad Island and Rocky Island. Port Ghalib is in fact the only marina in the area to hold the license required to run safari boats to these marine parks,' he noted.

According to him, the tourism industry in Egypt was experiencing a steady growth and it expected a large turnout from across the region and other parts of the world.

'Initiatives such as this will definitely boost the tourist traffic into Egypt and thereby contribute to the overall growth of the economy,' he added.

In addition to being an International Marina, there are a host of other water-based activities available including snorkeling, sailing, swimming, windsurfing and waterskiing.

'There is also no shortage of things to do on dry land with residents able to enjoy miniature golf, tennis, football, cycling, riding and sightseeing. The development also has - Six Senses Spa, Kids Activity and Arcade Center, Lazy River, a food court, bowling alley, galleries, boutiques, shops and disco,' he remarked. 

Port Ghalib will have a total of 23 internationally renowned hotels by the end of the second phase.

Currently there are four already operating hotels including ‘The Palace’ by Intercontinental, ‘The Oasis’ and ‘The Sands’ by Crowne Plaza and ‘Marina Lodge’. In addition, a substantial residential offering has also been built and is ready for occupation.-TradeArabia News Service