PM Witnesses Signing of Operating Contract for Historic Continental Hotel in Downtown Cairo Under Global “TAJ” Brand

Egypt signed a landmark agreement to revive the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo under the management of India’s luxury hotel brand TAJ, marking the brand’s first-ever entry into the Egyptian market.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, underscoring the project’s strategic importance within the state’s broader vision for sustainable tourism development and adaptive reuse of heritage assets.

The agreement was signed between Hesham El-Demery, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH), and Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), part of India’s global Tata Group and owner of the TAJ brand. 

The event was attended by Mohamed Shimi, Minister of Public Business Sector, and Suresh K. Reddy, India’s Ambassador to Egypt, reflecting the growing depth of Egyptian–Indian economic cooperation.

Madbouly described the revival of the Continental Hotel as a successful model of partnership between the state and global private sector, aligned with Egypt’s strategy to preserve its architectural heritage while transforming it into economically viable, modern, and sustainable assets.

“The project demonstrates how historic landmarks can be restored and reintegrated into the tourism economy without compromising their cultural and architectural value,” Madbouly said, noting its expected contribution to job creation, tourism growth, and the repositioning of Cairo as a leading global destination.

Shimi emphasized that the agreement falls within the ministry’s comprehensive plan to revitalize state-owned tourism and hotel assets and maximize their economic returns through collaboration with internationally renowned operators.

“The Continental Hotel is one of the most prominent architectural icons of Khedival Cairo,” Shimi said. “Restoration works have already begun on-site during the second quarter of this year, fully aligned with the state’s plan to rejuvenate downtown Cairo while strictly preserving the building’s original architectural character and historic façades.”

He added that TAJ’s entry into Egypt reflects growing confidence among major international hotel brands in the Egyptian economy and tourism investment environment, as well as Cairo’s unique historical and cultural appeal.

Under the agreement, the Continental Hotel, originally established in 1870 and overlooking Al-Azbakeya Garden and Opera Square, will be reborn as a five-star luxury property with approximately 300 rooms. The project commits to the full preservation of the hotel’s historic architectural identity, seamlessly integrated with the latest international hospitality standards.

TAJ Hotels, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hospitality brands, operates more than 335 hotels across over 150 destinations worldwide, with a strong reputation for managing heritage properties that combine authenticity with refined luxury.

Officials noted that TAJ was selected for its proven global track record and deep expertise in operating high-end heritage hotels, ensuring a guest experience that reflects the Continental’s historic stature and prime location.

Owned by EGOTH, a subsidiary of the Tourism and Hotels Holding Company under the Ministry of Public Business Sector, the Continental Hotel project is expected to enhance Egypt’s high-quality hotel capacity, attract a new segment of cultural and luxury travelers, and reinforce Cairo’s position on the global tourism map.