Egypt Continues To Ramp Up Its Commitment To Tourism

01.04.2024 - 11:45 / forbes.com / Red Sea / Ahmed Issa / River Nile

Famous for being the cradle of civilization, Egypt bursts at the seams with historical artifacts. Ancient Egyptian civilization has shined through millennia with iconic figures, and it has also played an important cultural and political role in the Graeco-Roman world.

Today’s Egypt is a sight to behold. Literally. Egypt boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and a plethora of jaw-dropping historical destinations. Perhaps foremost on most tourists’ minds is exploring Cairo’s magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Great Sphinx or the legendary Luxor Temple. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea. No matter your tastes, Egypt’s offerings cater to every traveller.

For many travelers the immersive experience trumps the actual destination in terms of priorities. As such, tourists are flocking to the land of pharaohs, pyramids and the lush River Nile delta. Cairo and Alexandria offer such urban experiences as personalized river cruises and unique desert adventures. Also, some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites can be experienced in the Red Sea. Its weather and diverse landscapes make it a prime destination for enjoying outdoor activities such as golfing near the pyramids. Hikers can discover several outstanding locations around Egypt that are ideally suited for unique challenges. Or imagine sliding down a hill in the desert on a sandboard or camel riding around the Giza Plateau.

In November 2022, the ministry launched the National Tourism Strategy in Egypt aiming to reach 30 million tourists by 2028 through focusing on three pillars:

1) Achieving a threefold increase in flight seats capacity from its 2021 level to meet the demand on flights. The number of incoming flight seats to Egypt had increased in 2023 by more than 35% compared to 2022.

2) Enhancing the tourist experience in archaeological sites and museums as well as upgrading the services provided in hotels.

3) Enhancing investment environment and a threefold increase in rooms capacity and entertainment facilities as well as designing master plans for destinations. From December 2022 to December 2023, a historic surge in hotel room numbers was achieved with the addition of 14,209 new rooms.

According to Ahmed Issa, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the ministry has developed proactive policies to enhance the supply-side components in the Egyptian tourism destination, instead of focusing on stimulating demand for Egyptian tourism products, and shaping relationships with the local and international private sector, instilling confidence and working on empowering this sector. He says, “More facilities were provided to obtain an entering visa to Egypt from several