Egypt's tourism sector has witnessed a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the summer season, with a 15% rise compared to the same period last year. According to Ihab Abdel Aal, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Union of Tourist Chambers, the sector is expected to surpass 20 million tourists by the end of September and reach approximately 22 million tourists by the end of the year. The increase is attributed to the efficiency of airports and the influx of Arab and international tourists, particularly in North Coast, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada.
The Egyptian tourism sector is optimistic about achieving its goal of attracting 30 million tourists before 2030. To achieve this target, the sector aims to double its hotel capacity. The Ministry of Tourism is working on regulating and facilitating licenses for "vacation apartments" to compensate for the hotel shortage and add around 70,000 units by 2027. This move is expected to help address the increasing demand for accommodation.
The Egyptian Union of Tourist Chambers participated in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, which resulted in intensive agreements with tour organizers from Asian and Arab markets to support the incoming traffic during the upcoming winter season. The sector is also focusing on integrating cultural and beach tourism programs through the development of the Sphinx Airport to connect Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan to coastal destinations.
Ihab Abdel Aal emphasized the importance of revising old legislation and facilitating the extraction of hotel licenses, both fixed and floating, to accommodate the growing tourist influx. The sector is also working on promoting Egypt as a tourist destination, with a focus on its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The growth of Egypt's tourism sector is also driven by the increasing number of Russian tourists visiting the country. According to Mohamed Farouk, former head of the Tourism Companies Committee, Russian tourist arrivals have increased by 21% compared to the same period last year, with Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh being the most popular destinations.
The Egyptian government is committed to supporting the tourism sector, with the Ministry of Tourism working on implementing initiatives to promote tourism and improve the overall tourist experience. The sector is also expected to benefit from the government's efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation networks.
The growth of Egypt's tourism sector is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, with tourism being one of the largest contributors to GDP. The sector's growth is also expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic development in various regions of the country.
Key points
- Egypt's tourism sector experiences a 15% increase in tourist arrivals during the summer season.
- The sector aims to double its hotel capacity to achieve its goal of attracting 30 million tourists before 2030.
- The Ministry of Tourism is working on regulating and facilitating licenses for "vacation apartments" to compensate for the hotel shortage.
