Egyptian Tourism Minister Shreef El-Fathy recently participated in the 9th Ministerial Roundtable discussion at Tourism Expo Japan 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. The event, titled "Reimagining the Future of Tourism - Investment Strategies for Regenerative Tourism," brought together tourism ministers from various countries, including Azerbaijan, Gabon, and Greece, to discuss strategies for sustainable tourism development. El-Fathy emphasized Egypt's focus on building a resilient tourism sector that can withstand challenges while promoting environmental protection and community development.
During the roundtable discussion, El-Fathy highlighted the importance of regenerative tourism, which aims to create a positive impact on the environment and local communities. He stressed that Egypt's tourism sector is working to adopt green practices, invest in human resources, and leverage technology to improve the overall tourist experience. The minister also emphasized the need for collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to achieve sustainable tourism development.
El-Fathy outlined Egypt's vision for its tourism sector, which involves showcasing the country's diverse attractions and experiences while ensuring sustainable and responsible tourism practices. He noted that the sector aims to promote economic growth, create jobs, and preserve Egypt's cultural and natural heritage. To achieve these goals, the ministry is working to enhance infrastructure, improve services, and develop new tourism products that cater to different segments of travelers.
The Egyptian Tourism Minister also discussed the importance of human resources development in the tourism sector. He mentioned that the ministry has launched training programs, such as the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Training Platform (EGTAP), to equip workers with the necessary skills to provide high-quality services to tourists. El-Fathy emphasized that investing in human resources is crucial for building a resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
El-Fathy also touched on the cooperation between Egypt and Japan in the tourism sector. He praised the Japanese government's support for the Egyptian Museum project, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction. The minister also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange programs and people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations between Egypt and Japan.
The Tourism Expo Japan 2026 event provided a platform for Egypt to showcase its tourism potential and attract Japanese investors. El-Fathy expressed his hope that the event would lead to increased cooperation between Egypt and Japan in the tourism sector. He also emphasized the need for innovative approaches to tourism development, including the use of technology and digital platforms to enhance the tourist experience.
The Egyptian delegation at the Tourism Expo Japan 2026 included several high-ranking officials, including Ambassador Raji Al-Atri, Egypt's ambassador to Japan, and Rana Gohhar, the minister's advisor for communication and external relations. The event provided an opportunity for Egypt to promote its tourism industry and establish partnerships with international stakeholders.
Key points
- Egypt is focusing on building a resilient tourism sector that prioritizes sustainability, environmental protection, and community development.
- The Egyptian government is working to promote green practices, invest in human resources, and leverage technology to improve the tourist experience.
- Egypt aims to showcase its diverse attractions and experiences while ensuring sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
