Egypt has the capacity to receive many times more tourists than it currently attracts, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said Friday at a global travel industry summit in Malta.
Fathy spoke at the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) summit in Valletta, held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET”. He also took part in a panel on enabling growth through public-private partnerships.
Egypt’s diverse tourism offerings, infrastructure, natural resources and cultural heritage positioned it for further growth, Fathy said.
He said the government considered tourism and antiquities priorities because of their contribution to the economy, jobs, investment and local communities.
Fathy described sustainability as a foundation for the industry’s future, calling for clear targets and regular assessment of progress. He said the ministry was working with private-sector partners to expand environmentally friendly practices and encourage tourism businesses to adopt sustainability standards.
The private sector was the main driver of tourism activity, he said, adding that cooperation with the government was key to attracting investment and improving services and visitor experiences.
The panel also included tourism officials from Malta, Croatia, South Africa and Türkiye and was moderated by journalist Richard Quest.
