AZAL Hotels & Resorts: Bridging Gaps and Creating Lasting Memories
In a candid interview during the International Tourism Fair (Fitur 2024) in Madrid, Khaled Said, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing at AZAL Hotels & Resorts, shared the key objectives and goals that the hotel group aims to achieve in 2024.
Established in early 2023 by a group of hoteliers and tourism experts, AZAL Hotels & Resorts strives to fill the gap between the high prices of five-star hotels and the comfort offered by four-star accommodations.
“We launched AZAL Hotels & Resorts to offer value-for-money accommodations in superior locations in Egypt, such as the Pyramids area and Abu Simbel. Our goal is to provide a long-lasting and eternal experience for our guests, ensuring their accommodation memories endure,” explained Said.
AZAL Hotels & Resorts aims to enhance guest experiences through personalized services, implementing sustainable practices, and maintaining high-quality assurance measures through staff training.
Current Trends in the Tourism Industry
When asked about recent trends in the tourism industry, Said highlighted the growing appreciation among international travelers for local, authentic, and culturally immersive experiences in Egypt.
“Culture and history tourism still rank high in demand, along with wellness tourism and the rising interest in health and wellness activities. Additionally, adventure tourism and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, are gaining popularity,” noted Said.
He also emphasized the increased use of travel technology for booking, virtual experiences, and contactless services, along with the demand for online easy access and flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options.
Seeking Collaborations and Partnerships
AZAL Hotels & Resorts is actively seeking collaborations and partnerships, particularly with economy and upper economy airlines, to offer special travel packages and exclusive deals for guests during annual events.
Said expressed the importance of maintaining close relationships with tour operators, travel agencies, and event organizers to understand guests' preferences and provide comprehensive and memorable experiences.
The hotel group is also keen on staying updated with the latest travel technology through collaborations with travel tech partners and other tech service providers.
Digital Platforms and Social Media Strategy
When asked about how AZAL Hotels & Resorts leverages digital platforms and social media, Said emphasized the importance of online presence. The hotel group has invested in a responsive website and strategic partnerships with top online marketing companies to conduct effective social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
AZAL Hotels & Resorts actively encourages user-generated content, fostering authenticity and word-of-mouth marketing. The hotel group is also increasing collaboration with travel influencers to amplify the reach and credibility of their tour offerings.
Partnership with Excelencias
Said expressed enthusiasm about a potential partnership with Excelencias, stating that "the cooperation with Excelencias is the right partnership for an effective and progressive market approach. Their wide range of service options and worldwide coverage aligns with our goals for exposure and growth."
In a nutshell, AZAL Hotels & Resorts, under the leadership of Khaled Said, is not only addressing the evolving needs of the travel industry but is also actively embracing collaborations and digital strategies to provide unique and memorable experiences for its guests.
