For Fouad Hassoun, hospitality is more than a business—it’s a lifelong calling. A pioneer who began shaping the travel industry from Cairo in the 1980s, Fouad has grown into one of the most respected voices in international tourism. With over four decades of leadership, he now commands a diversified empire that spans hotels, resorts, Nile cruises, restaurants, buses, yachts, and digital tourism platforms.
Today, as President of Kiwi Beach Resorts srl and Top2Go srl, Fouad operates out of Sicily, Italy, but his influence spans continents—from North Africa to the Mediterranean and beyond. His business legacy is rooted in deep market insight, cultural understanding, and a constant drive to improve the guest experience.
A Leader Built by Experience
Born and raised in Egypt, Fouad is an alumnus of the College de la Salle and Cairo University, where he studied Economics and Business Administration. He began his professional journey in 1985 as President of Flash Tour—a trailblazing travel brand that brought thousands of tourists to Egypt during its two-decade reign.
Under his leadership, Flash Tour quickly expanded to include Nile cruise ships, hotels, and full-service tourism solutions. This formative experience established Fouad as a powerhouse in the tourism sector, combining visionary thinking with ground-level execution.
In 2003, he moved to Italy and took on the helm of Phone & Go SPA, expanding his reach in the European travel market. For 12 years, he led the organization, fine-tuning his approach to customer satisfaction and service integration.
Building the Kiwi Ecosystem: A Fully Integrated Travel Experience
In 2016, Fouad founded Kiwi Beach Resorts, a chain dedicated to delivering immersive, culture-rich getaways in coastal destinations like Sicily. The concept behind Kiwi was simple yet bold: unify hospitality and travel operations under one seamless umbrella—one brand, one promise, many experiences.
His complementary company, Top2Go, launched in 2021, brings together tour operating, transportation logistics, and digital booking platforms. It reflects Fouad’s belief in the future of tech-enhanced travel where user convenience meets personalized services.
Today, Fouad’s ventures include:
- 8 resorts & 4 hotels across Italy and North Africa
- 12 restaurants offering local and international cuisines
- 10 Nile cruise ships and 5 luxury yachts for custom tours
- A 220-bus fleet connecting regional experiences
- A workforce of over 12,000 hospitality professionals
Technology with a Human Touch
While Fouad embraces modern tools like SEO, E-commerce, Google Analytics, and Web 2.0 platforms, he maintains that technology must serve people—not replace them. His platforms simplify booking, automate operational processes, and provide data-driven personalization—but the soul of the experience remains human.
This mindset has helped Top2Go and Kiwi Beach Resorts maintain high guest retention and five-star service ratings. “Tech is the bridge, not the destination,” Fouad often says.
Leadership Across Borders and Cultures
With decades of international business under his belt, Fouad brings a multicultural sensitivity that few global executives possess. He leads with a unique blend of discipline, empathy, and inclusivity, empowering regional teams while staying deeply involved in strategic planning.
“Every destination has its own rhythm,” he says. “To lead effectively, you must listen to local voices and adapt without losing your core values.”
This philosophy has led to sustained growth, even through global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested the tourism sector. Fouad responded by doubling down on health protocols, digital bookings, and flexible travel options—keeping guest trust intact.
Sustainability, Community & Legacy
Fouad believes the future of tourism is not just immersive—it’s responsible. His ventures are increasingly investing in eco-friendly practices, local hiring, and cultural preservation. From sustainable food sourcing at his restaurants to low-emission transport systems in Flash Tour and Kiwi Travel fleet, he’s committed to doing business the right way.
He also sponsors vocational training programs across Egypt and Italy to prepare the next generation of hospitality leaders. For Fouad, empowering people isn’t a side mission—it’s the heart of his legacy.
What’s Next?
In the coming five years, Fouad plans to expand Kiwi Beach Resorts into other coastal markets like Zanzibar and the Red Sea Riviera also in Italy mainland like Montecatini. He also sees massive potential in AI-powered travel planning, VR-based destination previews, and hyper-personalized vacation packages.
Yet amid all the innovation, he remains grounded. “Success isn’t measured by how far you go,” he reflects. “It’s by how many lives you uplift along the way.”
Final Word: A Global Citizen with a Local Soul
Fouad Hassoun’s journey is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs—proving that with vision, adaptability, and purpose, borders disappear and brands become legacies. His companies don’t just take people places—they connect cultures, spark joy, and build a better world through travel.
