Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF), the five tourism chambers, and private sector stakeholders to prioritise initiatives for sector growth, according to an official statement by the ministry. The minister, speaking at the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) event, highlighted the country's vast tourism potential, with a rich cultural heritage, prime location, beautiful beaches, vast deserts, and ancient archaeological sites. Fathy pointed out that while certain tourism products are already prepared for the market, others are currently being developed to increase the variety of options offered to international tour operators. The minister outlined proposals to enhance the visitor experience at museums and archaeological sites, which includes a significant development initiative at the Giza Pyramids area. The upgrades will include entertainment zones with restaurants, cafes, and bazaars, along with designated paths for camels and horses to ensure animal welfare and enhance visitor enjoyment. He said strategic initiatives aimed at boosting Egypt's tourism sector by targeting new markets and expanding domestic flights to popular tourist destinations, according to the same statement. The minister emphasised recent improvements to the booking system for flights to Cairo, making it easier for travellers to search for flights. These upgrades are aimed at simplifying travel and increasing tourism to Egypt. Fathy highlighted the importance of digital marketing for Egyptian tourism, stressing the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for targeted promotions in international markets. The ministry is dedicated to partnering with the private sector to improve service quality at tourism sites, focusing on service operations while leaving archaeological management to the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Maged El Menshawy, Chairman of the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels, discussed tourism investment opportunities in Egypt, focusing on the hospitality sector. Fathy emphasised financial incentives and initiatives to expand hotel capacity and offer new accommodation options. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities also noted the current progress in finalising regulations for new accommodation units to ensure they adhere to strict quality, security, and safety standards. The BEBA event discussions also covered important topics like eco-tourism, sustainability in tourism and antiquities, and increasing public awareness of the industry's economic significance in Egypt. Fathy projected that Egypt will welcome around 15.3 million tourists by the end of 2025, with a potential 10 per cent growth in inbound tourism over the next two years. He acknowledged the current stagnation phase that still needs to be addressed. Addressing foreign direct investment (FDI), Minister Fathy outlined three essential principles for improvement. Firstly, transparency involves publishing investment opportunities with clear and precise conditions. Secondly, competitiveness ensures that fees and investment structures are attractive and competitive. Lastly, efficiency prioritises speed in approvals, resolving challenges, and providing necessary facilitation. He stressed the government's dedication to these principles and mentioned ongoing efforts to provide clear and comprehensive information on a centralised platform to streamline processes and attract more investment. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
