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The popularity of Egyptian resort location Sharm el Sheikh seems to be continuing while some other destinations are feeling the effects of the global slowdown. Reports suggest that visitor volumes to Sharm are showing increases of up to 20 per cent this year and building development projects are underway to cope with the extra tourists.

Last month a new shopping complex at The Savoy Sharm El Sheikh hotel opened its doors for the first time. The hotel which is located on White Knights Bay north of Na'ama Bay has over 400 rooms and a number of luxury villas on site. Soho Square, billed as a family entertainment centre, is home to a selection of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs and even has its own ice rink. The complex took 18 months to complete and was opened in a spectacular ceremony last month that featured the band BoneyM in a musical performance. Celebrations also included a fashion show and culminated with a spectacular firework display.

Further down the coast at Na'ama Bay the newly refurbished Stella Sharm is set to open shortly. The hotel which has undergone a $21m renovation features 300 rooms and suites, most with sea views. The site for the hotel was purchased by new owners last year having previously been owned by the French-Egyptian runaway businessman Ramy Lakah. Stella Sharm has its own private beach in addition to 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, its own diving centre and a spa. Several bars and restaurants are located within the hotel in addition to a discotheque. The hotel joins 3 existing Stella Group hotels on the Red Sea with 3 more due to opening the future.