Top Story

JAZ Elite Aurora: A Romantic Escape on the Shores of Zanzibar

JAZ Elite Aurora: A Romantic Escape on the Shores of Zanzibar
JAZ Hotel Group Newsroom · Jul 24, 2026

Nestled along the shores of Zanzibar, JAZ Elite Aurora positions itself as a haven for romance. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort curates experiences for couples — from in-room surprises and private breakfast moments to spa treatments and candlelit beachfront dinners — all designed to inspire connection and lasting memories.

Featured

This month's top stories

Latest

Live

Company Facts

At a glance
Founded
1998 · Sheikh Zayed City, Giza, Egypt
Category
CONSUMER
Legal name
Jaz Hotel Group (Travco Group International)
Founders
Hamed El Chiaty
Team size
1,001-5,000 employees (LinkedIn); parent Travco Group employs roughly 24,000
Customers
Primarily European (German, UK, East European) and Middle Eastern leisure travelers on package and all-inclusive beach holidays, plus families and couples; the group draws hundreds of thousands of guests annually across 70+ properties.
Model
Hotel ownership and management. JAZ largely owns the real estate and land it operates on, running all-inclusive resorts sold primarily through European and regional tour operators and direct booking. Revenue comes from room nights, all-inclusive packages, ancillary leisure (spa, water parks, golf, weddings) and Nile cruises, benefiting from vertical integration with parent Travco's travel, transport and DMC operations.
Alternatives
Regional and international resort operators active in Egypt and the Red Sea, including Rixos, Steigenberger (now Huazhu/Deutsche Hospitality), Pickalbatros Hotels, TUI Blue/Magic Life, RIU and Sunrise Resorts & Cruises.

Updates

Recent updates
May 2026
Group rebrand introducing a three-tier structure - JAZ, JAZ Elite and JAZ Neo.
Jan 2026
Opened JAZ Amaluna (Adults Only) and JAZ Elite Aurora in Zanzibar, marking international expansion.
Jun 2026
Ran direct-booking campaigns and mobile-app offers across its portfolio.

Timeline

Company history
1979
Travco Group founded

Hamed El Chiaty establishes the travel company that becomes Egypt's largest travel conglomerate and JAZ's parent.

1998
JAZ Hotel Group established

Travco launches its hospitality arm to own and manage hotels and resorts.

2009
Portfolio and cruise expansion

JAZ expands with new hotels and Nile cruise ships.

2016
JAZ Aquaviva opens

New Red Sea resort opens alongside the Madinat Makadi Water World.

2018
Marsa Alam and Hurghada growth

The group invests in additional resorts across key Red Sea destinations.

2019
Steigenberger sold

Parent Travco sells the Steigenberger group to China's Huazhu for EUR 720 million, keeping JAZ.

2026
Rebrand and international debut

JAZ splits into JAZ, JAZ Elite and JAZ Neo and opens properties in Zanzibar.

Product History

What shipped, and when
1998

JAZ (core brand)

All-inclusive beach resorts balancing relaxation and discovery across Egypt's Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts.

2026

JAZ Elite

The group's bespoke luxury tier for premium, design-led stays.

2026

JAZ Neo

Younger, vibrant-comfort resort concept aimed at a modern leisure traveler.

1998

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts

Upscale resort brand operated within the group, including properties in Luxor and Soma Bay.

1998

Solymar / Sol Y Mar Hotels & Resorts

Value-oriented beach resort brand within the JAZ portfolio.

Steigenberger (managed properties)

Operates select Steigenberger-branded resorts in Egypt such as Ras Soma, Safaga.

2009

JAZ Cruises

Nile cruise ships offering floating hotel experiences along Egypt's river route.

Leisure amenities

Makadi Water World water park, Little Venice golf resort, Mivida Spa and entertainment venues attached to resorts.

FAQs

Frequently asked
Who owns JAZ Hotel Group?

JAZ Hotel Group is the hospitality arm of Travco Group International, Egypt's largest travel conglomerate, founded by Hamed El Chiaty.

Where are JAZ hotels located?

Mostly along Egypt's Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts - Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Makadi Bay, Marsa Alam and more - plus properties in Zanzibar and Fujairah, UAE.

How many hotels does JAZ operate?

The group manages a portfolio of more than 70 hotels and resorts, making it one of the largest owner-operators in the region.

What brands fall under JAZ Hotel Group?

Core JAZ resorts plus JAZ Elite and JAZ Neo, alongside Iberotel, Solymar and select Steigenberger-branded properties, and JAZ Cruises on the Nile.

What kind of hotels does JAZ run?

Primarily all-inclusive beach and leisure resorts aimed at European and regional holidaymakers, often paired with water parks, spas and entertainment.