Egypt’s Tourism Surge: Targets 30 Million Tourists with Ambitious Strategy and Key Initiatives

Egypt’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, revealed significant updates to the country’s national tourism strategy at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM). The strategy, focused on achieving rapid growth in the sector, has already proven successful, with Egypt welcoming over 7 million tourists in the first half of 2023, a historic high.

Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s administration, the government has actively worked to elevate Egypt’s position as a competitive global tourist destination. Minister Ahmed Issa, leading the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, is committed to enhancing the quality of tourism services to meet ambitious targets.

The Grand Cairo project is a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to position Cairo as a cultural destination. Egypt’s 7000-year-old heritage is undergoing a cultural renaissance, marked by the opening of new museums and the restoration of archaeological sites. Cairo is set to host three museums, each presenting the treasures of ancient Egypt.

In a bid to expand tourism, the government is investing in increasing the number of hotel rooms. A new hotels project is underway, offering incentive packages to attract investors for new hotel construction. The goal is to add 400,000 hotel rooms within the next five years.

Two notable inaugurations add to Egypt’s tourism allure—the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza pyramids and the reopened Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria. GEM, when completed, will be one of the world’s largest museums, showcasing the entire Tutankhamun collection for the first time.

In a move to further boost tourism, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced an update on visas. The country will now issue a multiple-entry visa for a five-year period, with a fee of GBP 562 (EGP 21,000), extending this opportunity to citizens of 180 countries.

Egypt’s tourism surge, guided by a robust strategy and key initiatives, aims to reach new heights, targeting 30 million tourists and solidifying its status as a leading global destination.