Minor Hotels has entered the Egyptian market with a strategic joint venture alongside SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises, aiming to strengthen the country’s luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector. The signing ceremony took place at the office of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, with Tourism Minister Sherif Fathi, SUNRISE Chairman Hossam El Shaer, and Minor Hotels founder William E. Heinecke in attendance.

The partnership targets the development and management of up to 50 hotels over the next decade across Egypt’s key urban and leisure destinations, including West Cairo, AZHA Ras El Hekma on the North Coast, and AZHA Ain Al Sokhna. Under the agreement, Minor Hotels will oversee seven projects, including operational hotels, greenfield developments, and brownfield conversions. A key highlight will be the introduction of Minor Hotels’ luxury brand, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, to locations across the country.

The collaboration will also extend to Nile cruise operations in Aswan and Luxor, leveraging Minor Hotels’ experience in river cruises in Asia, such as the Mekong Kingdom and Loy Pela. Officials said the venture is part of a broader effort to boost Egypt’s appeal as a global travel destination.

William E. Heinecke, Chairman & Founder of Minor International, said: “Signing this joint venture with SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises is an important milestone as we bring Minor Hotels’ brands and hospitality expertise to Egypt, one of the world’s most storied and inspiring destinations. Together, we are charting a long-term vision that combines SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises’ deep local knowledge with our global reach to deliver exceptional luxury and lifestyle experiences across Egypt’s leading destinations.”

Hossam El Shaer, Chairman of SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises, added: “Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by increased investment and growing global interest. We are proud to be part of a collaboration that reflects our shared vision to elevate the country’s hotel and tourism industry. Since founding SUNRISE in 2002 we’ve focused on creating integrated, sustainable destinations that meet the highest international standards. This Partnership signals strong global confidence in Egypt’s economy and directly supports the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030.”

SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises currently operates 27 resorts and seven Nile cruise ships with over 9,000 rooms across Egypt, while Madaar Developments has delivered integrated luxury destinations including Kinz, AZHA Ain Sokhna, and AZHA Ras El Hekma. Minor Hotels operates over 640 properties in 59 countries, offering brands including Anantara, Tivoli, Avani, and NH Collection.

The joint venture is expected to further strengthen Egypt’s tourism infrastructure, promote investment, and raise the standard of luxury hospitality in the country.