The world celebrates World Tourism Day on September 27th every year, a day that marks the adoption of the basic text of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic values. It also seeks to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices to preserve the environment and heritage. This year's theme is "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence for Tourism," emphasizing the role of innovation and technology in building smarter and more sustainable tourism destinations.
Egypt gives special importance to World Tourism Day, as the country's tourism sector is a significant contributor to its economy. According to reports from the Information and Decision Support Center of the Council of Ministers, Egypt's tourism sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by hotel expansions, infrastructure development, and the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The number of tourists visiting Egypt is expected to reach 20.19 million in 2026, increasing to 23.78 million by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. Egypt's tourism revenues are also expected to rise from $18.58 billion in 2026 to $21.15 billion by 2030.
Egypt is leading the development of hotel rooms in Africa, with 185 hotels under development, offering over 45,900 rooms. This represents 37.1% of the total hotel rooms being developed in Africa. The country is also investing in developing tourist destinations and infrastructure, including projects in Ras El-Hikma and El-Alamein, as well as improving airports, transportation networks, and high-speed trains. These efforts aim to enhance the tourist experience and facilitate travel between cities and tourist destinations.
The Egyptian government is promoting "smart tourism" by introducing modern technologies to market archaeological sites and analyze global market data to predict demand. The government is also working to provide digital services, such as electronic visas, which are now available to 118 nationalities. This move aims to facilitate travel to Egypt and increase tourism. The country is also focusing on diversifying its tourism products, improving service quality, and developing the skills of tourism workers.
Tourism is a significant source of foreign currency for Egypt, which helps to boost the country's foreign exchange reserves and support the local currency. The sector also provides job opportunities for young people in various sectors, including hospitality, aviation, hotels, and tourism guidance. Additionally, tourism stimulates other sectors, such as handicrafts, trade, and agriculture, creating new job opportunities outside the direct hotel sector.
Egypt is known for its unique tourism diversity, which combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The country offers a range of experiences, from visiting ancient historical sites to enjoying the beaches of the Red Sea and Mediterranean. Egypt also provides opportunities for eco-tourism and desert tourism, allowing tourists to interact with local culture and try traditional foods. The government is working to promote tourism among young people and encourage them to explore Egypt's heritage.
The Egyptian government is making efforts to educate young people about their cultural heritage and encourage them to take pride in their history. The government is using modern technology and interactive educational activities to engage young people and promote cultural awareness. This includes providing virtual tours of museums and historical sites, as well as organizing workshops and competitions to promote cultural heritage. By educating young people about their heritage, the government aims to foster a sense of national identity and encourage them to contribute to the preservation of Egypt's cultural legacy.
Key points
- Egypt's tourism sector is expected to continue growing, driven by hotel expansions, infrastructure development, and the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- The country is leading the development of hotel rooms in Africa, with 185 hotels under development, offering over 45,900 rooms.
- Egypt is promoting "smart tourism" by introducing modern technologies to market archaeological sites and analyze global market data to predict demand.
