When Medhat Samir looks back on his journey, he recalls a time that now feels distant yet deeply formative. During his early years, he spent his summer vacations working as a barman in the Cairo–Aswan sleeper train compartments and at a handmade workshop producing Pharaonic artwork. Later, he even traveled to Germany during college to work in a factory, an experience that taught him the true meaning of punctuality, quality, and dedication.
These diverse experiences shaped his discipline and respect for hard work. Although he studied literature in the Greek and Latin Department at university, his heart was drawn not to academia but to the energy and connection found in the hospitality world.
Discovering His Passion for Hospitality
Medhat Samir’s first step into the hotel industry came during his one year of military service. Stationed in Cairo, he took a part-time job as a night shift receptionist in a modest three-star hotel. That simple opportunity marked the beginning of an extraordinary career.
He was fascinated by the interaction with guests and the energy of the hotel environment. From receptionist to salesman and later sales manager, he quickly climbed the ranks by embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism.
His passion for hospitality grew out of his love for people and his desire to create memorable experiences. He found joy in ensuring guests felt valued and comfortable, and this dedication became the hallmark of his career. For Medhat Samir, hospitality was not just a job, it was a lifelong calling.
Climbing the Ladder: A Journey of Dedication
In 1990, Medhat Samir joined the Ramada Renaissance Hotel, which would later become the first Sofitel in Egypt. Though he already held a higher position elsewhere, he chose to start over as a sales executive to learn hotel operations from the ground up. That decision set the tone for his career, humility, persistence, and a hunger to learn.
Soon after, he joined Egypt’s leading hotel chain, Pyramisa, where he spent four years contributing to the openings and marketing of several hotels and Nile cruises across Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh. This period strengthened his expertise in both sales and operations, allowing him to develop a deep understanding of the Egyptian tourism market.
In 1998, Medhat Samir joined Hilton International’s Regional Sales and Marketing Office, overseeing strategies for nearly twenty hotels and resorts across the region. Within a few years, he rose to the position of Regional Sales Director. In 2003, he transitioned from sales to operations, taking on the role of Commercial Director at the iconic Nile Hilton Hotel, where he led major revenue initiatives and helped the property achieve top market share.
Afterward, he joined Rotana Hotels and Resorts, helping to establish its first Egypt office and overseeing the opening of the Grand Rotana Resort in Sharm El Sheikh. The opportunity allowed him to blend his sales expertise with leadership skills, managing large teams and complex operations.
In 2006, Medhat Samir rejoined Hilton as Cluster Commercial Director for five luxury resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, marking another major milestone. A year later, he was appointed Commercial Director at the Ramses Hilton in Cairo, one of the city’s flagship properties. During his five-year tenure, he guided the hotel through both prosperous times and the challenging period of the 2011 revolution, when dangerous activities surrounded the hotel’s location. After the departure of the Director of Operations, he took over many of those responsibilities in addition to his own, gaining valuable firsthand operational experience and demonstrating exceptional leadership during a time of national uncertainty.
Leading with Vision: The General Manager Era
In 2012, Medhat Samir was promoted to General Manager at Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences. The hotel had recently been rebranded, and he was tasked with reintroducing it to the market. Through his leadership, the property quickly gained popularity among diplomats, expatriates, and celebrities, re-establishing itself as a preferred destination for extended stays.
By 2017, Medhat Samir moved to Hilton Alexandria Corniche, a coastal gem known for its Mediterranean charm, fine dining, and event spaces. Within a year, he and his team doubled the hotel’s profitability, achieving results that greatly impressed the ownership. His success there led to his next challenge, overseeing the preopening of Hilton Hurghada Plaza.
Following a complete renovation that expanded the property’s capacity and introduced new dining and leisure options, the hotel emerged as a modern luxury resort with a private marina and upscale facilities. Even as the global pandemic struck shortly after its reopening, Medhat Samir guided the team through uncertainty, breaking performance records and earning multiple prestigious awards.
In 2023, he accepted another major assignment, leading the preopening of DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna, a highly anticipated resort in one of Egypt’s most scenic destinations.
A New Chapter: Corporate Leadership and Legacy
In 2024, Medhat Samir took a bold step forward, joining Ahlan Dertour, a new German hotel management company operating in Egypt, as Hotels Operation Director and General Manager. Under his leadership, the company achieved official certification under Egyptian law and began establishing its presence in the country’s competitive hospitality market.
This new chapter represents more than a career move, it reflects Medhat Samir’s lifelong commitment to advancing Egypt’s hospitality standards. His focus now is to ensure that Ahlan Dertour grows sustainably, offering world-class service while developing local talent and leadership.
Lessons, Values, and Vision
Over more than three decades, Medhat Samir has learned that success in hospitality is not only about managing properties, it’s about understanding people. His most important lessons include the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and teamwork.
This mindset has allowed him to navigate major transitions, from sales to operations, from local to international management, and to lead through crises with calm and confidence.
He also believes in balancing the needs of all stakeholders, the owners who invest, the teams who operate, and the guests who trust the brand. For Medhat Samir, true success lies in harmony when everyone benefits from the shared goal of excellence.
He has also supported and mentored many of his team members throughout his journey, guiding them to hold leading positions in prestigious hotels, a contribution he considers one of his proudest achievements.
To his younger self, he would offer simple but powerful advice: embrace challenges, stay persistent, and build genuine relationships. Those values, he believes, can turn any humble beginning into a story of achievement.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Medhat Samir’s story is more than a professional journey, it is a message of perseverance and purpose. From working as a barman in a train to leading some of Egypt’s finest hotels, he has demonstrated that passion and commitment can transform any career path.
He continues to inspire others through his leadership and vision, aiming to leave behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in hospitality. His dream is not only to build great hotels but to shape a culture that values integrity, teamwork, and genuine service.
As Egypt’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to grow, leaders like Medhat Samir serve as guiding examples, showing that with humility, adaptability, and dedication, one can rise from modest beginnings to achieve greatness.
Final Words
From the rhythmic clatter of train compartments to the gleam of luxury hotel lobbies, Medhat Samir’s career captures the spirit of Egypt’s evolving hospitality scene. His journey is a reminder that every success begins with a single step and that true leadership is built on empathy, learning, and the desire to serve others.
Medhat Samir stands today not just as a hotelier but as a storyteller of resilience, someone who has transformed challenges into opportunities and continues to shape the future of hospitality in Egypt.
Do connect him on LinkedIn
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