Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Dr. Sameh Al-Hefni has highlighted the crucial role of aviation in developing the country's tourism industry. Speaking at the Al-Ahram Forum on Egyptian Tourism, held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Dr. Al-Hefni emphasized that an integrated approach between aviation, tourism, transport, services, and marketing is necessary to transform Egypt's diverse tourist destinations and products into marketable packages. This approach aims to make Egyptian tourism more accessible to targeted markets.
Dr. Al-Hefni's ministry is working to strengthen the capabilities of national airlines and expand the air network, alongside developing airports and increasing their capacity. The minister also encouraged private sector participation in various aviation activities, in line with the state's objectives to increase tourist flows and open new markets and air routes. By doing so, Egypt aims to enhance its competitiveness in the tourism sector.
The minister stressed that the competitiveness of Egypt's tourist product is closely linked to the efficiency of its air transport system and its ability to offer sufficient seats and suitable connections to various markets. He noted that developing new destinations, such as the city of Alamein, requires integration between the airport, air networks, seat capacity, and services. This integrated approach will create favorable conditions for growth in air traffic and tourism.
To accommodate the expected growth in tourist traffic, Dr. Al-Hefni emphasized the need for a corresponding increase in airport capacity and air networks. The ministry is implementing integrated plans to strengthen airport capabilities and develop passenger terminals while optimizing the use of airports in Sphinx, Alamein, the New Administrative Capital, and other regional airports. This strategic development aims to support tourism growth and better distribute tourist flows across different destinations.
Dr. Al-Hefni also highlighted the importance of encouraging private investment and creating a more flexible and attractive environment for investors. This will help increase operational capacity and diversify services. The minister emphasized the need to support Egyptian airlines, enhance their competitiveness, and enable them to access more markets while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality.
The minister stressed the importance of achieving a balance between quantitative growth in traffic, service quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The sector's objectives should not be limited to increasing the number of passengers but also include improving the travel experience and adopting international best practices in air transport. By adopting this balanced approach, Egypt aims to enhance its position in the global tourism market.
Dr. Al-Hefni concluded that the development plans rely on continuous performance comparisons with international standards. The ministry's efforts aim to ensure that Egypt's aviation sector is competitive, efficient, and capable of supporting the country's tourism industry. By implementing these plans, Egypt seeks to increase its tourist flows and create a more sustainable and attractive tourist destination.
Key points
- Dr. Sameh Al-Hefni emphasizes the need for an integrated approach between aviation, tourism, and transport to enhance Egypt's tourist product.
- The Egyptian government aims to increase tourist flows and open new markets and air routes by strengthening the capabilities of national airlines and expanding the air network.
- Dr. Al-Hefni stresses the importance of achieving a balance between quantitative growth in traffic, service quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability in the aviation sector.
