A comprehensive tourism master plan for the area surrounding the Giza Pyramids aims to significantly increase hotel room capacity by 2040 to accommodate the expected influx of visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Minister of Housing Sherif El-Sherbiny said on Sunday. Speaking at a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, El-Sherbiny outlined a strategy to balance "heritage and modernity" by attracting global hotel brands and expanding entertainment districts. The plan relies on market studies forecasting visitor numbers for the decades ahead as Egypt prepares to fully open the GEM. The initiative to upgrade the Giza Plateau's surroundings is central to Egypt's broader ambition to double annual tourist arrivals to 30 million by 2028. The sector is a critical source of foreign currency for the debt-laden economy, which has struggled with external shocks in recent years. The government has long sought to reorganise the urban sprawl of Nazlet El-Semman and other districts adjacent to the ancient necropolis. These areas, while historic, have faced challenges regarding infrastructure, accessibility, and security, often creating a chaotic environment for tourists moving between the Pyramids and the new museum. Assistant Minister of Housing Abdel Khalek Ibrahim told the meeting that the framework prioritises preserving the "visual identity" of the World Heritage site while creating an "iconic" destination. He noted that the plan includes diverse hospitality options provided by major international chains. The opening of GEM, a mega-project located just two kilometres from the Pyramids, is expected to reshape Cairo's tourism map, shifting the centre of gravity from the old Tahrir Square museum to the Giza plateau. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasised that the development must improve the overall tourist experience, calling for a mix of commercial and recreational activities to complement the archaeological sites. Giza Governor Adel El-Naggar reviewed the status of ongoing maintenance works around the museum complex, affirming the local authority's commitment to maintaining the aesthetic appeal of Egypt's most famous historical landmark.
