The world celebrates World Tourism Day on September 27th every year, and this year's theme is "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to redesign tourism." The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is focusing on using modern technology, improving human resources, and developing tourism services to attract more tourists. The ministry aims to diversify tourism products and use artificial intelligence to enhance the tourist experience.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way people choose their travel destinations and has changed the way the tourism sector operates. It can help small businesses, improve services, and create new opportunities. However, without regulations, it may lead to tourists flocking to the same destinations and platforms, leaving other worthy places unnoticed. The Egyptian government is working to develop the tourism sector, with a focus on digitalization and using artificial intelligence to promote Egyptian destinations.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) emphasizes the importance of artificial intelligence in the tourism sector, but also notes that it needs to be managed properly. The organization calls for the sector to be more efficient, resilient, and inclusive. UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated that artificial intelligence can help build a more efficient and resilient tourism sector, but it requires careful management to ensure that its benefits reach everyone.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, highlighted the importance of tourism in connecting cultures and enriching people's lives. He noted that the tourism sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements, and that it is essential to shape the future of tourism in a way that benefits everyone. Guterres emphasized that technology should serve humanity and that the tourism sector must invest in digital skills, expand access to technology, and ensure that the benefits of innovation are shared by all.
This year's World Tourism Day celebrations are being held in El Salvador, with a focus on family-friendly tourism. The event brings together international participants to emphasize the importance of the tourism sector in development and cooperation between countries and organizations. El Salvador's Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, noted that her country is the first to receive the UNWTO's "Family-Friendly Tourism" stamp.
In Egypt, the government has been working to support the tourism sector, with a focus on digitalization and using technology to promote Egyptian destinations. The Egyptian Museum, which was recently opened, has attracted over a billion viewers worldwide, increasing demand for cultural tourism. The government has also improved airport infrastructure, increased capacity, and supported charter flights to facilitate the arrival of tourists.
Egyptian Tourism Minister, Sherif Fathy, reported that Egypt received 12.8 million tourists during the first nine months of 2026, with expectations of reaching 20 million tourists by the end of the year. The minister emphasized that Egypt is a safe and stable destination, and that the government is working to diversify tourism products and use artificial intelligence and social media to reach new markets and segments of tourists.
Key points
- The Egyptian government is focusing on using modern technology, improving human resources, and developing tourism services to attract more tourists.
- Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the tourism sector, but it requires careful management to ensure that its benefits reach everyone.
- Egypt received 12.8 million tourists during the first nine months of 2026, with expectations of reaching 20 million tourists by the end of the year.
