The Al-Ahram Foundation organized the inaugural 'Al-Ahram Forum for Egyptian Tourism' at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) on September 28, 2026. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa and other high-ranking officials, including Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy and Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Elhefny. The forum's theme was "Egyptian Tourism… From Diverse Destinations to Enhancing Sustainable Global Competitiveness."
Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Eissa emphasized the importance of developing new tourism products and destinations, improving services, and expanding air connectivity. He also highlighted the need to make greater use of digital technologies to boost the sector. Eissa noted that tourism is a significant source of foreign currency, investment, and jobs in Egypt. The government aims to increase the sector's economic returns and expand its contribution to the country's economy.
The forum brought together government officials, tourism businesses, and experts to discuss the sector's development. Eissa stressed that improving tourism competitiveness is a shared responsibility between the government, private sector, experts, and media. He added that the government is working to improve the legislative and investment environment and provide infrastructure, while private companies are responsible for investment and developing tourism products and services.
Eissa also called for measures to increase tourists' length of stay and spending without undermining the sustainability of destinations or damaging cultural and natural resources. He expressed hope that discussions at the forum would result in practical recommendations and provide a basis for continued cooperation between the government and private sector. The event coincided with World Tourism Day.
Egypt has been expanding tourism infrastructure, developing new destinations and services, and increasing international promotion to attract more visitors. According to Tourism and Antiquities Ministry figures, Egypt received about 12.8 million tourists between January and September 2026. The government expects arrivals to reach around 20 million by the end of the year.
The country's tourism offering spans its ancient heritage, the Nile, beaches, and natural areas, as well as cultural, religious, medical, sports, and environmental tourism. Eissa noted that Egypt's location, infrastructure, and hospitality are also important assets. However, increasing the sector's economic contribution will require higher visitor spending and longer stays while protecting cultural and natural sites.
The Al-Ahram Forum for Egyptian Tourism aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector. Key points from the forum include the need for sustainable tourism practices, improved infrastructure, and increased investment in the sector.
Key points
- Egypt aims to increase tourism arrivals to 20 million by the end of 2026.
- The government is working to improve the legislative and investment environment to boost tourism.
- Increasing visitor spending and length of stay are crucial to enhancing the sector's economic contribution.
