Egypt’s business community has welcomed the signing of a strategic partnership between Sunrise Resorts & Cruises and global hospitality leader Minor International, witnessed by Prime Minister Mostafa Dr. Madbouly and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Sherif Fathy at the Cabinet headquarters, Invest-Gate reports.
Under the agreement, Sunrise and Minor will launch a joint expansion plan targeting the management of 50 hotels across Egypt under Minor’s renowned brands, including Anantara. The partnership will begin with four new hotels developed by Sunrise’s real estate arm, Madar Developments: one in Azha Ras El Hekma, one in Kenz New Zayed, and two in Azha Sokhna.
Hossam El Shaer, Chairman of Sunrise Resorts & Cruises and Madar Developments, said the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to elevate Egypt’s hospitality sector. “This partnership marks a new chapter for Egypt’s tourism industry, attracting foreign investment and global hotel brands that highlight the country’s true potential on the world tourism map,” he noted.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, emphasized Egypt’s appeal as a top tourism market. “We are proud to enter Egypt for the first time with Sunrise Hotels, a trusted partner with deep experience. Egypt’s unique location, natural and cultural assets, and strong infrastructure make it one of the most attractive destinations for our expansion strategy,” he said.
The agreement aligns with Egypt’s national strategy to increase hotel capacity, attract high-value tourism, and boost foreign investment. It also supports the government’s goal of reaching 30mn visitors by 2030, building on a record-breaking 17mn expected arrivals this year.
Industry experts said the move highlights growing global confidence in Egypt’s tourism sector, with the introduction of international luxury brands set to raise service quality and enhance the country’s image abroad. Minor International currently operates more than 640 hotels and resorts in 59 countries, offering over 80,000 rooms and 3,000 restaurants across more than 50 leading brands.
Founded in 2002, Sunrise Hotels & Resorts operates more than 25 resorts in prime Egyptian destinations including Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and the Nile, alongside international properties in Greece, Morocco, and Zanzibar. Through Madar Developments, the group is also investing heavily in integrated real estate projects such as Kenz, Azha Sokhna, and Azha Ras El Hekma, reinforcing its role as a key player in Egypt’s tourism and hospitality growth.