For AKAZA TRAVEL, this transformation is also a personal story. The founder of AKAZA TRAVEL knows the coastline between El Quseir and Marsa Alam through first-hand experience and has witnessed its development over the years. This local knowledge plays an important role in organising airport transfers, boat trips, desert safaris, cultural excursions to Luxor and Aswan, as well as Nile cruises. Families and discerning VIP guests can rely on AKAZA TRAVEL as a dedicated partner when planning their activities and transfers.
Marsa Alam Airport: The Gateway to the Southern Red Sea
Marsa Alam International Airport, with the airport code RMF, is an important gateway to Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast. Its importance extends far beyond the city of Marsa Alam itself. Hotels towards El Quseir, Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib and resorts further south all benefit from improved international accessibility.
The airport’s inauguration in 2003, also mentioned in a project document published by engineering consultancy ECG, marked one of the important milestones in the region’s development. However, flight operations had already started earlier. A contemporary World Bank report documents the beginning of operations in November 2001.
The airport was developed under a privately financed Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. In simple terms, this means that a private investor builds and operates the infrastructure for an agreed concession period before it is transferred. The airport and the development of Port Ghalib were closely connected from the beginning.
For holidaymakers, the main benefit is practical: choosing a suitable flight directly to Marsa Alam can significantly reduce the additional journey required when arriving through Hurghada Airport. However, the duration of the onward transfer still depends on the exact location of the hotel.
From a Few Hotels to a Diverse Holiday Coastline
Visitors exploring the region today will find a wide selection of resorts stretching along the coastline. During the early stages of tourism development, the situation was quite different. The founder of AKAZA TRAVEL remembers a time when there were fewer than ten hotels between El Quseir and Marsa Alam city. Looking back, this makes the scale of the region’s transformation particularly clear.
Some of the hotel names that AKAZA TRAVEL associates with the earlier stages of the coastline’s development include Mövenpick, Akassia, Coraya and Kahramana. Each represents a different location and stage in the development of a coastline that gradually attracted more and more holidaymakers.
As accessibility improved, the coastline became increasingly attractive for further hotel investments and tourism projects. Tour operators could plan holidays with a direct destination airport more easily, while hotels were able to reach new groups of international visitors. Transfers, restaurants, diving centres and excursion services also benefited from the growing demand.
The airport was an important part of this transformation, but the region’s development also depended on investments in hotels, essential infrastructure and tourism services. Together, these elements helped transform individual holiday locations into a connected and diverse tourist destination.
Coraya Bay: JAZ Hotels and Premium Resorts
Coraya Bay is one of the clearest examples of this transformation. Known as Madinat Coraya, the area has developed into a resort destination featuring several hotels. Its proximity to the airport and its focus on beach holidays, snorkelling and diving make Coraya Bay an attractive choice for many travellers.
Among the well-known hotels in the area are JAZ Lamaya Resort, JAZ Solaya and JAZ Elite Maraya. These properties demonstrate how diverse the accommodation options within a single holiday destination have become. Travellers searching for JAZ Hotels in Marsa Alam should therefore consider more than just the hotel brand. The location of each property and its access to the sea are also important factors.
Another example of the area’s premium accommodation is Steigenberger Coraya Beach. This adults-only hotel appeals to a different audience compared with resorts designed primarily for families. Families should pay particular attention to room options, children’s facilities and swimming areas, while couples may place greater importance on a peaceful atmosphere and relaxation.
At AKAZA TRAVEL, hotel location is always considered as part of the overall travel experience. A short airport transfer, a convenient starting point for excursions and a well-planned daily schedule can be just as important to holiday satisfaction as the hotel’s category.
Port Ghalib: A Modern Marina and Waterfront Holiday Destination
Port Ghalib offers a different holiday experience from the traditional beach resort. Here, hotels, a waterfront promenade, restaurants, shops and an international marina come together in one destination. This gives visitors the opportunity to combine relaxing beach days with walks along the promenade and evenings by the water.
According to the marina operator, the marina is located approximately five kilometres from Marsa Alam Airport. This close distance highlights how closely air travel, hospitality and maritime infrastructure are connected in Port Ghalib. It also demonstrates why not every hotel in the wider Marsa Alam region necessarily requires a long airport transfer.
The international marina provides facilities for yacht handling and services. It is an important part of Port Ghalib’s tourism identity and gives the destination a different character from the more secluded bays along the coastline. Marina life, walks along the Corniche and relaxing stays at nearby resorts can all be enjoyed together.
For AKAZA TRAVEL, Port Ghalib is therefore an important location when arranging transfers and excursions. What matters most is the exact hotel selected by the guest and the harbour from which their particular boat trip is scheduled to depart.
Pickalbatros Hotels in Port Ghalib
Among the well-known upscale hotels in Port Ghalib are Pickalbatros Palace Hotel Port Ghalib, Pickalbatros Sands Hotel Port Ghalib and Pickalbatros Oasis Hotel Port Ghalib. These properties are good examples of how the destination has developed, combining hotel comfort with marina facilities and tourism activities beyond the resort itself.
The Palace is positioned by its operator as a luxury resort, while Sands and Oasis offer additional accommodation and leisure concepts. Choosing the right property depends on several factors, including the preferred room category, beach access and expectations regarding relaxation or entertainment.
Hotel concepts and available services may change over time. AKAZA TRAVEL therefore recommends checking the latest information provided by the selected hotel before making a reservation. Once your accommodation has been confirmed, AKAZA TRAVEL will need the exact hotel name to arrange your transfer and excursions according to the correct location and route.
Marsa Mubarak and Shoni Bay: Other Important Holiday Areas
Tourism development is not limited to Coraya Bay and Port Ghalib. The hotel sector has also expanded significantly around Marsa Mubarak, in the Shoni Bay area and along the coastline north and south of Marsa Alam city. Over the years, individual resort locations have developed into a coastline offering a wide variety of holiday experiences.
Marsa Mubarak is particularly famous for its underwater world. Seagrass meadows, coral reefs and opportunities to observe marine animals in their natural environment are among the main attractions of this area. However, sightings of sea turtles or dugongs cannot be guaranteed.
Shoni Bay represents another section of this extensive holiday coastline. When planning a trip, it is important to remember that Marsa Alam should not be considered one compact holiday resort. Hotels are spread across considerable distances, with significant differences in transfer times, beach locations and accessibility to excursion destinations.
This is precisely where AKAZA TRAVEL’s regional experience becomes valuable. The founder knows the different sections of the coastline and understands the requirements involved in organising transfers and excursions. This local knowledge helps combine different holiday interests, from relaxation and nature experiences to cultural discoveries.
What This Development Means for Holidaymakers and the Region
More flight connections and a wider selection of hotels make it easier for travellers to organise holidays according to their personal preferences. Families often look for suitable rooms, manageable transfer times and activities for different age groups. Couples may give greater importance to peaceful surroundings, dining options or an interesting house reef. VIP guests may additionally prioritise privacy and carefully coordinated travel arrangements.
Tourism development also creates demand for local services. Drivers, tour guides, boat crews, hotel employees and other service providers all contribute to the region’s tourism economy. The long-term success of the destination also depends on protecting its natural environment.
For AKAZA TRAVEL, coral reefs, marine life and desert landscapes are among the most valuable features of Marsa Alam. Visitors should avoid touching corals, maintain a respectful distance from marine animals and follow their guides’ instructions. An unforgettable holiday experience and respect for nature should always go hand in hand.
VIP Airport Transfers with AKAZA TRAVEL
A well-organised transfer connects your international arrival with the beginning of your holiday. AKAZA TRAVEL arranges VIP airport transfers between Marsa Alam Airport and your hotel, as well as return journeys to the airport. The exact location of resorts towards El Quseir or further south should also be taken into consideration when planning the journey.
To receive a suitable transfer offer, AKAZA TRAVEL requires your flight number, arrival time, full hotel name, number of passengers and details of your luggage. If you are travelling with children or require any special assistance, please mention these requirements when making your enquiry. Vehicle arrangements, child seats and any additional services should be explicitly confirmed in advance.
Boat Trips and Desert Safaris for Families and VIP Guests
A holiday in Marsa Alam offers much more than relaxing days on the beach. AKAZA TRAVEL organises boat trips that allow visitors to discover the Red Sea and its beautiful coastline. When making an enquiry, let us know whether you are travelling as a family, a couple or a group, and what kind of marine excursion you are interested in.
Desert safaris are another important part of AKAZA TRAVEL’s services. They offer a different perspective on the region, complementing the coastal holiday with experiences of the desert landscapes further inland. The most suitable safari depends on the participants’ ages, interests and preferred activities. Families should therefore discuss any requirements and possible age restrictions in advance.
For discerning VIP guests, personal arrangements are particularly important. Discuss your preferences regarding privacy, group size, pick-up arrangements and the overall itinerary with AKAZA TRAVEL. The specific services available will be clearly outlined in your individual offer. Please also remember that boat excursions remain subject to weather conditions and sea conditions.
Luxor and Aswan Tours and Nile Cruises with AKAZA TRAVEL
Travellers who wish to combine a beach holiday with Egyptian history can arrange cultural trips to Luxor and Aswan, as well as Nile cruises, through AKAZA TRAVEL. Luxor is famous for its temples and the ancient tombs on the West Bank of the Nile. Aswan offers a different perspective on the Nile and the rich cultural heritage of Upper Egypt.
Realistic time planning is essential for these journeys. Travelling from the Red Sea coast can take several hours, and not every itinerary can comfortably be completed within a single day. Depending on your preferences, a multi-day stay or a combination with a Nile cruise may be a more enjoyable option.
AKAZA TRAVEL tailors each enquiry to your travel dates, hotel location and personal interests. We recommend asking for clear details about the route, overnight accommodation, cruise ship category, sightseeing programme, entrance fees and transfers before confirming your booking. Careful planning helps families and VIP guests find the right balance between cultural experiences and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsa Alam Airport
When did Marsa Alam Airport open?
Flight operations are documented as having started in November 2001, while a project document gives 2003 as the year of the airport’s official inauguration. These dates therefore refer to two different milestones in the airport’s early development.
Which holiday destinations can be reached through Marsa Alam Airport?
The airport serves several holiday areas, including Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, the coastline towards El Quseir and resorts located north and south of Marsa Alam city. The actual transfer time depends on the exact location of your hotel.
Which premium hotels are available in the Marsa Alam region?
Examples include JAZ Lamaya Resort, JAZ Solaya, JAZ Elite Maraya, Steigenberger Coraya Beach and the Pickalbatros Palace, Sands and Oasis hotels in Port Ghalib. In the El Quseir area, Mövenpick Resort El Quseir is also one of the well-known properties.
What services does AKAZA TRAVEL offer?
AKAZA TRAVEL organises VIP airport transfers, boat trips, desert safaris, cultural excursions to Luxor and Aswan, as well as Nile cruises. Its services are designed for different types of travellers, including families and discerning VIP guests.
Plan Your Marsa Alam Holiday with AKAZA TRAVEL
The airport, new resorts and Port Ghalib Marina have all contributed to the development of Marsa Alam into a diverse holiday destination. The wider range of options available today allows visitors to combine beach holidays with marina experiences, nature excursions and cultural journeys.
AKAZA TRAVEL combines the founder’s first-hand regional experience with the organisation of your transfers and excursions. Whether you are travelling with your family, planning a special getaway as a couple or looking for a premium VIP experience, we are here to help you arrange the right holiday services.
Contact AKAZA TRAVEL today to enquire about your airport transfer, a boat trip, a desert safari, a cultural excursion to Luxor or Aswan, or a Nile cruise. Simply provide your hotel name, travel dates and number of passengers so that AKAZA TRAVEL can prepare a suitable offer for your journey.