India’s Taj Turns Cairo Landmark into Global Luxury Asset

India’s luxury hospitality brand Taj Hotels, operated by Indian Hotels Company Limited and part of the Tata Group, has signed an agreement to open a new 300-key hotel in Cairo, marking its first presence in the Egyptian market. The move represents a significant expansion for Taj into North Africa and the Middle East.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior Egyptian officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the Minister of the Public Business Sector, as well as India’s Ambassador to Egypt.

Transformation of a historic Cairo landmark

The agreement centers on redeveloping the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo’s Opera Square into Taj Cairo, a five-star luxury property. The hotel overlooks Azbakeya Garden and sits in one of the city’s most culturally and architecturally significant districts.

With around 300 rooms planned, the hotel will offer a full range of luxury amenities designed to attract international visitors, diplomats, and corporate travelers. Its central location near the Nile and major transport corridors positions it as a key addition to Cairo’s upscale hospitality offering.

Partnership details

The project is structured as a public-private partnership between IHCL and the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels, a state-owned organization responsible for managing and revitalizing key tourism assets across Egypt. IHCL will operate the hotel under the Taj brand.

Importantly, the redevelopment will preserve the Continental Hotel’s original facade and architectural features. Dating back to the late 19th century, the building has long been associated with Cairo’s cosmopolitan past and plays a symbolic role in the city’s tourism history.

India’s tourism boost

The new Taj project comes as India strengthens tourism and travel ties globally. International airlines are responding to rising demand, particularly between India and major global hubs.

Recently, British Airways announced it is considering expanding its operations between London and India, which is the airline’s second-largest international market after the US, with demand continuing to grow across both business and leisure travel segments.

Photo by Ahmed Ezzat on Unsplash