Egypt is making intensive preparations to participate in the London International Tourism Exchange 2026 (WTM 2026), scheduled to take place in early November. Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Activation, recently inspected the site of the Egyptian pavilion at Excel London and met with the event manager and marketing director of the exchange. The Egyptian pavilion has been expanded to accommodate a larger number of exhibitors.
This year, 110 Egyptian exhibitors, representing various tourism companies and hotel establishments, will participate in the event. The increased space will also feature more digital display screens and promotional advertisements, showcasing Egypt's diverse tourism products and destinations. The Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Activation is leading the preparations to ensure a strong presence at the event.
Dr. Ahmed Youssef also attended a "Tourism Destination Partnerships" event organized by Jet2, which brought together representatives from various global tourism destinations, including Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, and Malta. The event included professional workshops with major global marketing companies, such as Google, YouTube, Meta, and Adobe, focusing on modern tourism promotion tools and the use of artificial intelligence in marketing campaigns.
During his visit to the UK, Dr. Youssef held several professional meetings with key executives from Jet2, including the CEO of Jet2 Airlines & Holidays, and the Director of Airports and International Organizations. The discussions centered on Egypt's participation in WTM 2026, flight incentive programs, and promotional efforts for direct flights from the UK to Egypt.
The meetings also explored the possibility of expanding flight services to Egypt's airports, including Sphinx International Airport and Luxor International Airport. Jet2.com is set to launch direct flights from several British cities to Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada in February 2027. These flights will be accompanied by comprehensive tourism programs, further enhancing travel options between the UK and Egypt.
The Egyptian participation in WTM 2026 aims to promote Egypt's tourism industry, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions. The event provides a platform for Egyptian tourism stakeholders to connect with international partners, increasing visibility and driving growth in the sector. Egypt's tourism industry is expected to benefit significantly from the increased exposure and partnerships forged at the event.
Key points
- Egypt is participating in WTM 2026 as a main partner with an expanded pavilion and a larger number of exhibitors.
- The Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Activation is leading the preparations for the event.
- Dr. Ahmed Youssef held several meetings with Jet2 executives to discuss flight programs and promotional efforts.
