Cairo: Egypt has entered a significant agreement with India’s Taj Hotels to manage and operate the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the partnership as a successful example of public-private collaboration aimed at rejuvenating architectural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and job creation.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the agreement was signed at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, marking Taj’s debut in the Egyptian market. The deal aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to preserve and modernize historical structures. Hisham El-Demery, managing director of the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH), and Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited, a Tata Group subsidiary, finalized the agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by Public Business Sector Minister Mohamed Shimi and Indian Ambassador to Egypt Suresh K. Reddy.

Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that the project would enhance efforts to rejuvenate heritage sites in Khedival Cairo, reinforcing Cairo’s stature as a global tourist destination. Mohamed Shimi noted that the agreement is part of his ministry’s strategy to redevelop state-owned tourism assets by collaborating with leading international operators to optimize economic benefits.

The Continental Hotel, a landmark constructed in 1870, overlooks Azbakeya Garden and Opera Square. The ongoing redevelopment project, which began in the second quarter of this year, aims to restore the hotel’s original architectural charm while upgrading its facilities to meet international standards.

Upon completion, the hotel will reopen as a five-star establishment with approximately 300 rooms. Taj Hotels, a prominent luxury hotel brand, operates over 335 hotels across more than 150 locations worldwide. The hotel is owned by EGOTH, a subsidiary of Egypt’s state-owned tourism and hotels holding company.