CAIRO – Bangkok-based Minor Hotels has signed an agreement
with Egypt’s Sunrise Resorts & Cruises to form a new joint venture company
with a target of opening and managing up to 50 hotels over the next decade.
Development, which include projects developed by Madaar
Developments, will span both key urban centers and leisure destinations,
including West Cairo, Azha Ras El Hekma on the North Coast and Azha Ain Al
Sokhna. As part of the agreement, Minor Hotels will start management of seven
projects, covering operational hotels, brownfield conversions and greenfield
developments.
A highlight of the pipeline will be the introduction of
Minor Hotels’ flagship luxury brand, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, in
locations across the country. Minor has more than 640 hotels, resorts and
branded residences across 59 countries.
The partnership will also extend Minor Hotels’ hospitality
expertise to Nile cruise operations across Aswan and Luxor, building on Minor
Hotels’ portfolio of Asia based river cruises, including Mekong Kingdom and Loy
Pela.
Sunrise Resorts & Cruises operates 27 resorts and 7 Nile
cruise ships. It has more than 9,000 rooms and properties across key Egyptian
destinations—including Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, Aswan, Ain
Sokhna, and Alexandria—as well as a growing international presence in Greece,
Zanzibar, and Morocco.
Egypt’s tourism sector welcomed 15.7 million international
visitors in 2024, surpassing the previous high of 14.9 million, with revenues
reaching $14.1 billion. Momentum has continued into 2025, with 8.7 million
arrivals in the first half of the year, up nearly 24% year-over-year with revenues
exceeding $8 billion.
“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,” said William Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor
International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “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
and Madaar Developments, 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.”