Egyptian Tourism Minister, Sherif Fathy, recently participated in the World Travel Market London 2026, where he engaged with prominent international media outlets. During these interactions, he emphasized Egypt's unique and diverse tourist offerings. The country's rich cultural heritage and varied landscapes allow tourists to experience multiple types of vacations within a single trip.

Minister Fathy highlighted new and promising tourist destinations, including the New Alamein City and the North Coast region. He also underscored the natural, cultural, and historical significance of Matrouh Governorate. These areas are expected to enhance Egypt's tourism map and attract more visitors. The minister discussed the measures being taken to maintain growth in tourist arrivals, particularly in light of current regional events.

Egypt's tourism sector has shown resilience, with a notable increase in visitors from key markets. The British market, in particular, has seen a 10% rise in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. The minister expressed optimism about achieving further growth, targeting an increase of 10-15% in British tourists in 2027.

To achieve its ambitious targets, Egypt is focused on expanding its hotel capacity. The government aims to add 35,000 to 40,000 new hotel rooms by 2027. Initiatives have been launched to encourage investment in the hospitality sector, including a 50 billion Egyptian pound financing initiative. This move is expected to support the development of new hotels and increase Egypt's accommodation capacity.

The Egyptian government has also signed agreements with several major international hotel chains. These partnerships aim to enhance Egypt's position in the luxury tourism market and provide high-quality services to attract high-spending tourists. The New Egyptian Museum, which opened last year, has already attracted 5.2 million visitors.

The museum, along with other historical sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and Islamic Cairo, forms a comprehensive tourist destination. These areas offer a unique blend of cultural, historical, and archaeological experiences, encouraging tourists to extend their stay and explore more of Egypt.

Minister Fathy recommended several destinations for tourists to visit in 2027, including the North Coast and Siwa Oasis. These areas offer a mix of modern attractions, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Egypt's diverse offerings, ranging from cultural and beach tourism to adventure and eco-tourism, make it an attractive destination for various types of travelers.

Key points

  • Egypt targets 22 million tourists by 2027.
  • The country aims to increase hotel rooms by 35,000 to 40,000 in 2027.
  • The New Egyptian Museum has attracted 5.2 million visitors since its opening.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.