The Global Indian Brand “TAJ” Enters the Egyptian Market: A New Step to Enhance Cooperation Between Egypt and India

Last week, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Egyptian Prime Minister, witnessed the signing ceremony for the management and operation contract of the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo under the global Indian brand "TAJ". This marks TAJ's entry into the Egyptian market and represents a strategic step towards revitalizing one of Egypt's most important hotel and historical landmarks, located in Opera Square in the heart of Khedival Cairo. This initiative also supports the state's efforts to develop heritage areas of unique architectural value.

The Continental Hotel is one of Cairo's most prominent historical landmarks, dating back to 1870. It enjoys a prime location overlooking Azbakeya Garden and Opera Square. The hotel is slated for restoration as a five-star establishment with approximately 300 rooms, while preserving its historical architectural style and original facade.

The Taj brand is one of the world's leading hotel brands, operating more than 335 hotels in over 150 locations worldwide. The hotel is owned by the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH), a subsidiary of the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels, which is affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Public Business Sector.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Engineer Mohamed Sheimy, the Egyptian Minister of Public Business Sector, and Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy, the Indian Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, underscoring the depth of bilateral relations and economic and investment cooperation between Egypt and India.

The contract was signed by Hisham El-Demery, Managing Director and CEO of the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH), and Puneet Chatwal, CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Indian Tata Group (owner of the Taj brand), a luxury hotel brand.

The Egyptian Prime Minister affirmed that the project to revitalize the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo is a successful model of partnership between the state and the global private sector. This aligns with the state's vision to preserve architectural heritage and leverage it economically in a modern and sustainable manner, thereby contributing to the support of the tourism sector, generating new job opportunities, and enhancing Cairo's position on the global tourism map.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Minister of Public Business Sector explained that the signing of this contract comes within the framework of the ministry's comprehensive strategy to revitalize and develop state-owned tourism and hotel assets and maximize their economic returns through partnerships with leading international brands possessing extensive experience in hotel management and operation.

He added that the Continental Hotel is a prominent architectural and historical landmark in the heart of Khedival Cairo. The ministry launched the hotel's revitalization project and commenced on-site implementation in the second quarter of 2025, in accordance with the state's plan to develop the area and restore its cultural splendor, while fully committing to preserving the building's authentic architectural character and historical facades, and integrating them with the latest international hotel operating standards.

He added that the cooperation with the global brand “Taj”, which is entering the Egyptian market for the first time through this project, reflects the growing confidence of major international hotel brands in the Egyptian economy and the tourism investment climate, and what Cairo possesses in terms of historical and cultural assets that qualify it to regain its position as a leading global tourist destination. It also reflects the Ministry’s keenness to choose partners who have a distinguished international record and established experience in managing and operating luxury hotels with a heritage character, in order to ensure the provision of a high-end tourist experience that befits the historical value of the Continental Hotel and its distinguished location, and contributes to increasing the capacity of high-quality hotels, attracting more tourists to Egypt, and enhancing its position on the world tourism map.