The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Monday its sponsorship of two major sports events in Soma Bay, Red Sea Governorate: the 2026 Open Water Swimming World Cup and the Egypt Equestrian Cup. Both tournaments highlight Egypt’s growing role as a destination for sports tourism.
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the initiative is part of the ministry’s strategy to diversify Egypt’s tourism products.He stressed the importance of sports tourism in attracting new visitor segments and showcasing Egypt’s ability to host international events.
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, noted that supporting such events helps boost Egypt’s image as a safe and stable destination. He said the tournaments demonstrate Egypt’s readiness to organize global competitions with professionalism.
The Open Water Swimming World Cup was held for the fourth year at Soma Bay Marina, with 124 athletes from 30 national federations across five continents. Races included a 10-kilometer men’s and women’s event and a mixed relay.
The Egypt Equestrian Cup, organized with the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, featured top riders and clubs under international standards. Officials said the event reflects Egypt’s progress in hosting specialized sports competitions.
