Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced a major expansion in Egypt through a strategic partnership with Wings Encora Collection, adding six new luxury experiences to its global portfolio. The move strengthens the brand’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and marks Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ first entry into Egypt’s luxury Nile cruise segment.
The agreement brings together one beachfront resort in Sharm El Sheikh and five high-end Nile cruise experiences, all joining the brand’s Lifestyle Collection. The expansion reflects Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ broader strategy to grow in high-demand destinations while diversifying its experiential luxury offerings.
Red Sea resort and curated Nile journeys
Among the new additions is Coral Sea Holiday Resort, a beachfront property located in Sharm El Sheikh on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, a destination known for its marine life, diving and family-friendly tourism.
The partnership also introduces five luxury Nile cruise products operating between Luxor and Aswan. These include the premium river vessels Mazaj MS Tamr and Mazaj MS Tulip, alongside three boutique dahabiyas: Mazaj Sia, Mazaj Seba, and Mazaj Meroot. Each cruise blends contemporary comfort with traditional Egyptian design, offering personalized service, fine dining, spa facilities and carefully curated itineraries designed for culturally immersive travel.
Together, the resort and cruise offerings target travelers seeking premium, family-oriented and culturally rich experiences, combining Red Sea leisure with iconic journeys along the Nile.
Strengthening Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ MENA footprint
Commenting on the expansion, Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said the partnership represents a strategic milestone for the brand in Egypt and the wider region.
“Welcoming Wings Encora Collection into our Lifestyle Collection marks a significant step in Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ expansion across Egypt and the wider MENA region,” Rai said. “This partnership not only enhances our presence in a key destination but also diversifies our portfolio with exceptional Nile cruise experiences and a premier Red Sea resort. We remain committed to offering travelers distinctive, authentic stays that reflect local culture and the highest standards of luxury.”
Wings Encora Collection highlights Egyptian hospitality
Wings Encora Collection, owned by Ahmed El-Wassief, has been active in Egypt’s hospitality sector since 1992. The group operates luxury resorts and Nile cruises with a strong focus on family-centric hospitality, sustainability and curated travel experiences that link beachfront tourism with river-based exploration.
Ahmed El-Wassief, Chairman and CEO of Wings Encora Collection, described the partnership as a defining moment for the group.
“We are proud to partner with Preferred Hotels & Resorts and to see Wings Encora Collection join its distinguished Lifestyle Collection,” he said. “This collaboration brings together a shared vision of authenticity, refined luxury and meaningful travel experiences. Through this partnership, we aim to elevate Egypt’s Nile cruising and Red Sea hospitality while showcasing the richness of our culture to a global audience.”
Egypt’s luxury tourism gains momentum
The expansion comes as Egypt continues to attract international hospitality brands seeking to capitalize on growing demand for luxury travel, experiential tourism and culturally immersive journeys. By combining a Red Sea resort with high-end Nile cruises, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Wings Encora Collection are positioning Egypt as a destination that seamlessly blends relaxation, heritage and premium service.
