Savoy Hotels and Resorts International has launched its first property in Egypt after taking over the management and operation of the former Le Meridien Sharm El Sheikh resort.

The takeover follows the decision by the owner, Tirana Tourism Investment Company, to terminate its management agreement with Le Meridien.

London-based Savoy Hotels & Resorts Ltd owns a 25 per cent stake in Savoy Hotels & Resorts International.

The five-star Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Resort, which opened its doors on December 2000, is located on the renowned White Knight Beach, a preserved area of Ras Mohamed National Park.

The property combines a variety of architectural styles and includes 408 well-appointed rooms and suites and 17 villas.

Facilities include a large three-level swimming pool, diving centre, water sports centre, tennis courts, beach volleyball, fitness centre with sauna an massage services, billiards in addition to eight restaurants and bars.

Savoy Sharm El Sheikh had a strong presence at the recent Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Area director of sales and marketing Mohamed Mansour said the group expected Sharm El Sheikh to boom as a destination this summer.