Egypt has been recognised as the world's Most Desirable Country for Culture and Heritage at the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The award was determined by votes from readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust. This prestigious recognition reflects international travellers' preferences and experiences. Egypt ranked ahead of several leading international tourism destinations to secure the top spot.
The award was received by Ahmed Yousry, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board, during a ceremony at the historic Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The event was attended by approximately 500 executives from the travel and tourism industry. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who founded the sustainable travel initiative Travalyst, delivered a keynote address at the ceremony. He emphasised the importance of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, welcomed the recognition, stating that it reinforces the country's distinctive position on the global tourism map. The award reflects Egypt's rich ancient heritage, thousands of years of civilisation, and exceptional network of museums and archaeological sites. This recognition acknowledges national efforts to preserve Egypt's historical assets through ongoing maintenance and restoration works.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has a broader strategy to showcase the country's cultural diversity, improve the visitor experience, and strengthen its competitiveness in international tourism markets. Minister Fathy noted that the award is a testament to these efforts, which aim to ensure the sustainability of Egypt's historical assets for future generations.
Ahmed Yousry stated that the Gold Award further reinforces Egypt's reputation among cultural travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences. The accolade builds on Egypt's growing list of international recognitions, supporting promotional campaigns aimed at attracting both first-time visitors and returning tourists. This award is expected to boost Egypt's tourism industry.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards have been a prominent event in the travel industry for 25 years, with the winners determined by reader votes. This ensures that the awards reflect the preferences and experiences of actual travellers. Egypt's win is a significant recognition of its cultural heritage and tourism industry.
The Egyptian tourism industry is likely to benefit from this recognition, with increased visibility and appeal to cultural travellers. The country's rich history, museums, and archaeological sites make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking authentic experiences. The award will support Egypt's efforts to promote its cultural diversity and strengthen its position in the global tourism market.
Key points
- Egypt won the Gold Award for Most Desirable Country for Culture and Heritage at the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
