Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has underscored that political stability and decades of built-up trust among international travelers are critical to the continued growth of Egypt’s tourism sector, even amid regional geopolitical challenges.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Fathy said Egypt has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of crises, recovering rapidly and reinforcing its status as a reliable destination.
“This isn’t coincidental,” he said. “It’s the outcome of long-term institutional planning led by the state, supported by strategic marketing and growing investment in infrastructure and hotel services.”
Fathy acknowledged intensifying competition among regional destinations but described it as both “healthy and necessary,” adding that it does not preclude deeper collaboration. He revealed recent talks with Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism that laid the groundwork for joint tourism programs, allowing Arab and foreign travelers to explore multiple destinations through a single package.
“We’re also collaborating with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan,” he said. “We believe a coordinated Arab approach can offer travelers a richer, more integrated experience, with each country contributing its strengths.”
While such initiatives may not immediately deliver major numbers, he said they elevate the overall value of the visitor experience and expand market potential over time.
The minister pointed to Egypt’s diverse tourism portfolio as a unique competitive advantage. “We offer a distinctive product that blends Pharaonic heritage, Coptic and Islamic antiquities, beach and desert tourism, and luxury resort destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and the North Coast,” he said.
He also highlighted the ministry’s adoption of cutting-edge digital marketing tools, including AI-driven campaigns aimed at European markets that garnered over 100 million views within days. This, he said, boosted global awareness of Egypt as a safe, diverse destination.
Fathy emphasized the government’s focus on empowering the private sector, which he described as the engine behind tourism growth. “We don’t organize tourist itineraries - we create a competitive environment and raise service standards,” he noted.
He pointed to steady improvements in service quality across airports, hotels, and attractions, and rejected the idea that overcrowding poses a significant challenge, particularly when compared to other popular destinations.
Looking ahead, Fathy projected that Egypt could see an 8% increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, building on a strong first quarter that saw year-on-year growth of 25%. He said maintaining stability and global purchasing power would be key to sustaining momentum.
