Egypt has been recognized for its rich cultural heritage at the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards held in London. The country won the Gold Award for culture and heritage on November 4, as voted by readers of the British magazine Wanderlust. This prestigious award was accepted by Ahmed Yousry, chief executive of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board. The ceremony took place at the Painted Hall in Greenwich, with around 500 travel executives in attendance.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards had a record-breaking 8.2 million votes from over 250,000 readers. This significant participation underscores the growing interest in travel and cultural exploration. The Grand Egyptian Museum, which recently showcased Egypt's ancient treasures, was a notable factor in the country's win. The museum has been a major draw for tourists, with over 6.5 million visitors since its opening in November 2025.
Prince Harry delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of protecting the destinations that the travel industry relies on. He also announced that Wanderlust had joined the affiliate network of Travalyst, a sustainable travel group he founded in 2019. This move highlights the growing focus on sustainable tourism practices within the industry.
Egypt's tourism sector has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2025, the country welcomed a record 19 million visitors. The first nine months of 2026 saw 14.4 million visitors, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. The Egyptian government aims to attract 30 million annual visitors by 2030 and is now focusing on encouraging travelers to stay longer and spend more.
Sherif Fathy, Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, expressed pride in the award, stating that it reflects the country's rich heritage, its museums, and ongoing restoration work. Ahmed Yousry noted that the recognition would support campaigns aimed at first-time and returning visitors, further boosting tourism.
The award comes as part of a broader effort to promote Egyptian tourism. The sector has been a significant contributor to the country's economy, with the government investing in infrastructure and promotional campaigns. The recognition by Wanderlust is expected to enhance Egypt's appeal to potential tourists.
Costa Rica was named the most desirable country outside Europe, while Spain took the European title at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The event celebrated the best in travel and tourism, with Egypt's Gold Award for culture and heritage being a highlight of the ceremony.
Key points
- Egypt won the Gold Award for culture and heritage at the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
- The country aims to attract 30 million annual visitors by 2030.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum has drawn over 6.5 million visitors since its opening in November 2025.
