Egypt’s Minister of Public Business Sector, Mohamed Shimi, met with executives from companies under the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels on Wednesday to accelerate the development of key hotel and tourism projects across various governorates.
The meeting, held at the Misr Travel Company headquarters, focused on maximising the utilisation of Egypt’s tourism and hotel assets and supporting the vital tourism sector.
Minister Shimi urged swift implementation of projects, emphasising adherence to timelines and integrated efforts between affiliated companies and the private sector.
“The goal is to deliver projects that befit Egypt’s historical and tourism status, reflect its identity, and enhance its attractiveness as a global tourism destination,” he said.
He also stressed providing top-tier services aligned with international quality standards, while considering environmental and cultural aspects.
The minister reviewed progress on several major initiatives, including the revitalisation of the historic Continental Hotel in downtown Cairo, where construction began in April 2025.
Other projects include the Carnelia Beach Resort in Marsa Alam, which commenced implementation in January 2025, and the development of a number of hotels that are targeted for completion before the end of 2025.
Shimi also explored the conversion of several real estate assets of domestic trade companies, including Omar Effendi branches in Cairo and Alexandria, into hotel operations. Plans for new hotels in Port Said and El-Mahalla El-Kubra, and final works on a tourist restaurant in Khan El-Khalili, were also highlighted.
In the cultural tourism sphere, the Sound and Light Company’s projects were reviewed. This includes the operational status of the new show at the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, which opened in October 2024, and the modernization of sound and light shows at the Pyramids area through private sector partnerships.
The introduction of virtual reality (VR) shows, already launched at the Pyramids and slated for expansion to other archaeological sites, was also a key point.
Shimi underscored the importance of enhancing the visitor experience with modern interactive technologies, particularly for younger audiences.
Other ongoing developments discussed included the enhancement of Misr Tourism’s transportation system, increased reliance on e-marketing for tourist trips, and the development of tourist restaurants.
The meeting also touched on independent and partnered development of domestic trade company branches, investment in the wood-plastic industry, and residential and commercial projects by Maamoura Company, including the “Raqia” project in Alexandria.
