Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy recently participated in the 9th Ministerial Roundtable at Tourism Expo Japan 2026 in Tokyo. The event, held from September 24-26, focused on "Reimagining the Future of Tourism - Investment Strategies for Regenerative Tourism." Fathy emphasized Egypt's commitment to building a resilient tourism sector that can withstand challenges and promote sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of regenerative tourism in creating long-term value for destinations and local communities.
Fathy stressed that Egypt's tourism industry is working to diversify its offerings and enhance the overall tourist experience. The minister noted that the country's rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and diverse landscapes provide a unique opportunity for sustainable tourism development. He also emphasized the need for innovative approaches and digital transformation in the tourism sector to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Egypt's tourism strategy aims to promote economic growth while preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage.
The Egyptian government is prioritizing the preservation of the country's natural and cultural heritage, including its archaeological sites. Fathy noted that Egypt has developed successful public-private partnerships to upgrade services at archaeological sites and museums, enhancing the visitor experience and generating revenue for conservation efforts. The government is also promoting green practices in the tourism sector, encouraging sustainability initiatives in hotels, diving centers, and museums.
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are key components of Egypt's tourism strategy. Fathy highlighted the potential of these technologies to improve resource management, enhance the tourist experience, and promote sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, citing the launch of the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Training Platform (EGTAP) to develop the skills of tourism professionals.
Fathy also discussed the significance of the Egyptian Museum, which serves as a hub for scientific research and education. The museum's collections and exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about Egypt's rich cultural heritage. The minister noted that the museum's conservation efforts, including the restoration of the Khufu ship, are being carried out in collaboration with Japanese experts.
The ministerial roundtable was attended by tourism ministers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Japan, Jordan, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Tanzania. Representatives from international tourism organizations, such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), also participated in the discussion.
Fathy concluded that Egypt's tourism sector is committed to sustainable development and regenerative tourism practices. He emphasized that the sector's growth should benefit local communities and promote cultural and environmental conservation. The minister expressed his appreciation for Japan's cooperation and support in the development of Egypt's tourism sector, particularly in the conservation of archaeological sites and the promotion of cultural exchange.
Key points
- Egypt's tourism sector is focusing on building a resilient and sustainable industry that promotes cultural and environmental conservation.
- The sector is prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Egypt is promoting green practices and sustainable tourism initiatives to minimize the sector's environmental impact.
