Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa said that the ministry is in the process of developing a long-term national strategy for Egyptian tourism that will be launched during the first quarter (1Q) of 2023 to provide a different tourist product and experience for tourists. He stressed that the tourism industry is one of the main pillars of the national economy and has a direct impact on enhancing the growth rates of the GDP, and that it also contributes to providing job opportunities directly and indirectly, emphasising that the state aims to increase the number of incoming tourism to Egyptian destinations by 25 to 30% annually, thus increasing the revenue generated from it. Furthermore, Issa noted that this strategy is a continuation of what was previously worked on from 2021, adding that it is being completed in coordination with the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers. His remarks came during his speech in a celebration organized by The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to celebrate World Tourism Day, which falls on 27 September and coincides this year with the 200th anniversary of the deciphering of ancient Egyptian writing and the inception of Egyptology as a field of academia. The Minister thanked his predecessor, Khaled El-Anany, for the efforts he made during his tenure at the ministry, during which he oversaw several accomplishments in the field of tourism and antiquities. Issa also spoke about choosing the concept of 'Vibrant Egypt – Egypt Alive' to be the focus of work in all marketing and promotional plans and campaigns during the coming period. He then reviewed the axes of this strategy, which will be worked in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to double and increase the capacity of airports and planes and improve the tourist experience for tourists in Egypt, along with the quality of services provided to them.
