TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
In spite of the conflicts in neighbouring countries, Egypt welcomed record 15 million tourists in 2023. It was announced at ATM 2024, held in Dubai recently. Egypt showcased its commitment to enhancing the tourist experience and attracting new visitors from the UAE, GCC, and other parts of the world by highlighting the country’s tourism potential, forthcoming projects, and future initiatives.
TT Bureau
Ghada Shalaby, Egypt’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Affairs, said: “Egypt is gearing up to attract a wide range of travellers based on its commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings. The ministry has worked to unveil a group of new products that meet the evolving preferences of travellers, from health tourism to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M!CE) tourism, all the way to the innovative Umrah Plus product and the attractive Cairo City Break program.”
Ghada noted that cooperation lies at the heart of Egypt’s tourism strategy. By strengthening partnerships between tourism entities in Egypt, the Far East, and GGC countries, among other Arab countries, the ministry aims to combine efforts in promoting Egyptian destinations and ensuring unparalleled experiences for visitors. Through collaborative endeavours, the tourism sector is ready to flourish and grow. “Egypt’s commitment to infrastructure development remains steadfast. From enhancing transportation networks to enhancing airport facilities and expanding railway systems, significant investments are being made to improve accessibility and connectivity across the country. These initiatives play an essential role in facilitating smooth travel experiences for visitors to Egypt, she said.
Amr El-Kady, Chief Executive Officer, Egyptian Tourism Authority, mentioned that Egypt is witnessing a qualitative shift in its approach to tourism, as by embracing the dynamism of the private sector, the country is embarking on a journey of liberation and promoting an enabling environment for investment and innovation in the travel sector. “From this standpoint, the Arabian Travel Market, held in Dubai, constitutes an essential platform to complete these efforts and raise its status at this level,” he said.
Al-Kady pointed out that the Egyptian Tourism Authority is taking advanced steps to enhance customer experience at archaeological sites. A prime example of this is the opening of the new visitor centre, planned as part of the upcoming transformation of the Giza Pyramids in a few weeks.
Egypt’s tourism sector continues to chart a path of growth and resilience. After a record-breaking year in 2023, with 15 million visitors flocking to its shores, compared to 4.9 million in 2021, further expansion is expected in 2024. With a firm focus on enhancing visitor experiences, strengthening partnerships, and investing in infrastructure, Egypt is well-positioned to keep its economy on an upward trajectory in the tourism landscape. The newly launched Cairo City Break programme will reshape the capital’s appeal by promoting Cairo as a long weekend destination. Egypt presents the emerging destination of Ras El Hekma. Eco-friendly Hop-on Hop-off buses will be launched, enhancing tourism accessibility and sustainability. A new road will be opened this year to reduce the travel time from Luxor to Hurghada.
