Minor Hotels has signed an agreement with Egyptian hospitality group Sunrise Resorts and Cruises to form a new joint venture company that will open up to 50 hotels over the next decade.

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences in 59 countries and Sunrise Resorts and Cruises seven Nile cruise ships and 27 resorts – with destinations across Egypt as well as Greece, Zanzibar and Morocco.

As part of the strategic partnership to expand Minor Hotels’ brands across Egypt, Sunrise Resorts and Cruises’ real estate development arm, Maadar Developments, will create hotels for the joint venture in cities as well as more spacious leisure destinations. These sites will be in locations such as West Cairo, Azha Ras El Hekma and Azha Ain Al Sokhna.

The pipeline will include the introduction of Minor Hotels’ luxury brand Anantara Hotels and Resorts in various locations across Egypt.

Minor Hotels will manage seven projects as part of the agreement, ranging from operational hotels, brownfield conversions and greenfield developments.

Nile cruise operations across Aswan and Luxor will also be part of Minor Hotels’ remit, building on the group’s successful portfolio of Asia-based river cruises – including Mekong Kingdom and Loy Pela.

Underscoring the importance of this alliance for the country’s tourism sector, the partnership was formed in the presence of the prime minister of Egypt, Mostafa Madbouly, and the country’s minister of tourism and antiquities, Sherif Fathi.

William E Heinecke, chair and founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, said: “Together, we are charting a long-term vision that combines Sunrise Resorts and Cruises’ deep local knowledge with our global reach to deliver exceptional luxury and lifestyle experiences across Egypt’s leading destinations.”

Hossam El Shaer, chair of Sunrise Resorts and Cruises and Madaar Developments, said: “Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by increased investment and growing global interest. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that reflects our shared vision to elevate the country’s hotel and tourism industry.”