• The country welcomed a record 15 million tourists in 2023
• Egypt continues to propel tourism growth with innovative strategies

  Egypt will showcase its commitment to enhancing the tourist experience and attracting new visitors from the UAE, GCC, and globally by highlighting the country’s tourism potential, forthcoming projects, and future initiatives at Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) in Dubai as it looks to build on the record 15 million tourists welcomed in 2023.   Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Egypt’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Affairs, said: “Egypt is gearing up to attract a wide range of travelers 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 tourism, all the way to the innovative Umrah Plus product and the attractive Cairo City Break program.”   Dr. 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, said Dr Ghada   Amr El-Kady, CEO, 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.”   Mr. 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 program will reshape the capital's appeal by promoting Cairo as a long weekend destination. Egypt presents the emerging destination of Ras El Hekma – a relaxing haven located along the picturesque Egyptian coastline with ancient monuments and cultural attractions. Eco-friendly Hop-on Hop-off buses will be launched, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of the tourism experience. A new road will be opened later this year to reduce the journey time from Luxor to Hurghada from 5.5 to 4 hours.   A new reform of the tourism industry has been introduced, which includes steps towards deregulation and liberalisation. Egypt has allocated a staggering 22% of its GDP over the past seven years to comprehensive infrastructure development. The state aims to double the capacity of hotel rooms in the country, which will increase from 220 to 245 room nights during the next five years.   Photo caption: L-R Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Amr El-Kady, CEO, Egyptian Tourism Authority at the Egypt Tourism Authority press conference at ATM 2024.

 

Egypt Expects Record Number of Visitors in 2024 After Introducing New Attractions and Resorts

  Unforgettable adventures, exciting experiences and warm sunshine: the award-winning vacation hotspot of Egypt has something to offer every type of traveler. While the winter chill is setting in along the legendary Nile River the country is proving to be a fascinating and affordable destination for a vacation in the sun any time of year.   Unique Experiences and Adventures   At a time when travel is not just about the destination but the experiences that come with it, the land of pharaohs, pyramids and the lush River Nile delta is a destination worth exploring, whether travelers are seeking immersive urban experiences they can find in Cairo and Alexandria, personalized river cruises, unique desert adventures or some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the Red Sea.   "Tourism has changed in recent years. More and more travelers are coming to Egypt because the country offers them diverse and unique experiences and they feel safe here. Our endeavor is to offer every guest a trip that allows them to relax and unwind as well as get to know our rich culture," says Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.   Significant Investments in Popular Tourist Spots   To improve the overall experience for visitors and attract even more tourists, significant investments have been made in Egyptian destinations, including restoring and developing archaeological sites and opening new museums and hotels. Highlights include the Graeco-Roman Museum reopening in Alexandria, the restoration of the Great Hypostyle Hall in the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings and the new Grand Egyptian Museum opening in early 2024 near Cairo.   Thanks to direct flights from Washington Dulles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as many flight connection options, Egypt can now be reached more quickly and cost-effectively than ever before. The newly introduced five-year multiple-entry visa, great vacation packages and the low cost of living are also attractive factors driving increased tourism to the country.   Diverse Offerings for Every Type of Traveler   Whether exploring Cairo’s awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Great Sphinx or the legendary Luxor Temple, attending the magical Abu Simbel Sun Festival Event in Aswan, or experiencing the white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt’s offerings cater to every traveler. A popular destination for everyone from families seeking all-inclusive luxury to solo travelers seeking unique adventures, or even remote workers looking for an affordable, long-stay escape, Egypt has tremendous appeal.   Sustainability is Becoming Increasingly Important   With an increasing focus on sustainability, Egypt offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for eco-friendly ways to connect with nature, cultural and historical heritage and people. For example, many tour operators are now offering packages that include stays in eco-friendly accommodation and support local businesses. The country is also home to a number of eco-lodges, including Eco Nubia on the once deserted island of Bigeh, which has become an internationally renowned attraction praised by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.   In addition, destinations such as Cairo and various resorts along the Red Sea coast between El Gouna and Marsa Alam are involved in environmental certification programs. Sharm el-Sheikh was even recently recognized as the best sustainable tourist city by the Arab Union for Tourism Media (AUTM).   A Record Year for Tourism   According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, more than seven million tourists visited Egypt during the first half of 2023. The country is on target to attract 15 million tourists this year. Another important reason for this: Egypt is known as one of the safest travel destinations in the world.

  The Egyptian Tourism Authority is delighted to announce the launch, this Wednesday 17 of May 2023, of the new Egypt e-Learning programme.   Please visit https://www.egyptspecialist.com   The course contains 8 interactive modules packed with information, and an agents resources section with a photo and video library and a selection of downloadable brochures and other sales material.   This interactive learning tool and sales resource aims to inspire frontline travel agent and tour operator staff to become ‘Egypt Specialists’ by showcasing the rich variety of Egypt’s tourism attractions. Ranging from famous historic monuments and romantic Nile cruises to desert adventures plus stunning beaches and reef diving, Egypt provides a unique range of holiday experiences.   Everyone completing the programme, created in partnership with Equator Global, will receive an official personalised certificate of achievement from the Egyptian Tourism Authority.   Also for the next two months, those passing the course will be entered into a monthly draw where five lucky winners will receive a truly unique and beautiful Egyptian gift.   Please visit https://www.egyptspecialist.com to begin this exciting adventure!

While recovery is coming along fine, Egypt has been targeting visitors seeking a combination of sun, fun, and culture. Special care is taken to avoid mass tourism and efforts toward sustainability continue to be a priority in all sectors.

 

  Egyptian Government allows Egyptians and tourists to take photographs for non-commercial use in all public places in Egypt free of charge and without requiring any permit.   In a meeting held on 20 July 2022, the Egyptian Cabinet approved new regulations governing photography, for personal use (non-commercial), for Egyptians and foreigners (tourists and residents). It was agreed that taking photographs using all kinds of traditional cameras, digital cameras and video cameras will be permitted free of charge. No permit needs to be obtained beforehand.   The decision includes a condition that the photography or film equipment must not be of the kind that requires a permit. This equipment includes: professional photography umbrellas; artificial outdoor lighting gear; equipment that occupies or blocks public roads. Second, it is completely forbidden to take or share photographs of scenes that can, in one way or another, damage the country’s image. It is also prohibited to take pictures of children. Egyptian citizens can only be photographed after obtaining written permission from them.   It is important to note that, when it comes to archaeological sites and museums under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, taking photographs, for personal use (non-commercial), is permitted for Egyptians and tourists in accordance with the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ Board of Directors’ 2019 decision. Taking photographs using mobile phones, cameras (traditional and digital), and video cameras is allowed inside museums and archaeological sites (without using flash indoors).   The Supreme Council of Antiquities also set new regulations for commercial, promotional, and cinematic photography in Egyptian museums and on archaeological sites. Photography permits (daily, weekly, and monthly) have been implemented as an incentive for producers and companies to film in these areas. These decisions are the conclusion of the Ministry’s efforts to promote cultural tourism and Egypt’s unique civilization. It aims to encourage tourist activities in Egypt. The permit service for commercial and cinematic filming is undergoing its final phase before its release on the Ministry’s official website to be launched soon. The website will include regulations in different languages for taking photographs in public areas.   The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Cairo.

Egypt announced the lifting of all Covid restrictions on inbound travellers. Supreme Committee for the Management of the Epidemiology and Health Pandemic Crisis relaxed remaining curbs following a full review of the epidemiological situation. It means proof of vaccination is not required nor a negative Covid test. Passenger locator forms are no longer needed. Cases in Egypt have fallen sharply in recent months.

  Kindly find below the link of the April 2022 Newsletter of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued in a new format as an interactive E-Magazine: April 2022 Newsletter of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

  Kindly find below the link of the March 2022 Newsletter of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued in a new format as an interactive E-Magazine: March 2022 Newsletter of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities