Egyptian Tourism Minister Shreef Fathy recently met with his Maltese counterpart, Dr. Jo Etienne Abela, to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector. The meeting aimed to promote tourism between Egypt and Malta, ultimately increasing tourist traffic between the two nations. Both ministers emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Egypt and Malta, highlighting the crucial role of the tourism industry in supporting national economies and fostering economic growth.
During the meeting, Minister Fathy discussed Egypt's current tourism strategy, focusing on three key messages: showcasing Egypt's unparalleled tourism diversity, emphasizing the authenticity of the Egyptian tourism experience, and promoting high-end tourism products and experiences. He also highlighted Egypt's diverse tourism offerings, allowing visitors to combine multiple experiences within a single trip and easily transition between different destinations in a short period.
Minister Fathy reported that Egypt's inbound tourism saw a 21% growth last year and a 4% increase through September this year. Dr. Abela, in turn, shared updates on Malta's tourism sector, noting that the country welcomed nearly 5 million tourists last year. He also mentioned efforts to launch direct flights between Cairo and Malta through Air Malta.
The two ministers agreed to enhance coordination between the private sectors in both countries to develop joint tourism programs targeting tourists from distant markets, such as the United States and Australia. They also explored the possibility of organizing Mediterranean cruises that include visits to both Egypt and Malta.
The meeting also touched on potential cooperation in training and utilizing Egyptian expertise in the hospitality industry to work in Malta, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two countries. Additionally, the ministers discussed the possibility of hosting a temporary Egyptian antiquities exhibition in Malta, which would promote Egypt's tourism destination and highlight its cultural and archaeological significance.
The meeting was attended by several officials, including Egyptian Ambassador to Malta Shimaa Badwi, Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, and Rana Gohar, Minister's advisor for communication and external relations. The discussions demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation between Egypt and Malta.
By working together, Egypt and Malta aim to increase tourism exchange and create new opportunities for cooperation in the tourism industry. The meeting marked a significant step towards achieving this goal, with both countries seeking to benefit from their rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Key points
- Egypt and Malta agree to enhance tourism cooperation, targeting tourists from distant markets.
- The two countries explore possibilities for direct flights and joint tourism programs.
- Egypt's tourism industry sees growth, with a 21% increase in inbound tourism last year.
