Tourism Minister, Sherif Fathy, stressed on Wednesday Egypt’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its visitors while expanding its tourism sector.
The minister’s remarks were made during his speech at the 43rd session of the World Travel Market London (WTM) 2024.
Speaking to an audience of British, Arab, and international media representatives, Minister Fathy reiterated Egypt’s position as a peaceful and secure nation, distanced from any geopolitical tensions and committed to safeguarding its borders and tourists.
Minister Fathy highlighted the impressive diversity of tourists visiting Egypt, with travellers from over 174 countries exploring the nation’s rich cultural and historical offerings this year alone.
Fathy projected a five per cent increase, year-on-year, in tourist arrivals by the end of 2024, attributing this growth to strategic efforts to enhance Egypt’s appeal as a global destination.
The minister described the British market as one of Egypt’s most crucial tourism sources, citing a robust influx of tourists from the United Kingdom, with 77 flights arriving weekly from various British cities.
Fathy also shed light on Egypt’s burgeoning spiritual tourism sector, notably the journey of the Holy Family, which spans approximately 3,500 km from Sinai to Assiut. He announced the impending launch of five key sites along this route, with further developments planned to enhance services and infrastructure at these significant archaeological locations.
The minister detailed ongoing developments in St. Catherine, part of the ambitious Great Transfiguration Project, positioning the city as a global hub for spiritual, cultural, adventure, and relaxation tourism, as well as a venue for conferences and incentives.
Highlighting Egypt’s commitment to sustainable tourism, Fathy outlined the ministry’s strategy to achieve economic security through digital transformation and environmental conservation.
He said many Egyptian hotels and diving centres have earned the Green Star and Green Fins certifications. Moreover, environmentally friendly buses powered by clean energy are now available at many tourist and archaeological sites.
In collaboration with various ministries and civil society organisations, Egypt has launched a National Programme for the Care and Protection of Horses, Camels, and Pets in archaeological areas, further enhancing the country’s tourism offerings.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), currently in an experimental phase, was another focal point of the minister’s presentation. Fathy highlighted the museum’s innovative features, including the Cheops Boat Hall and the meticulous relocation of the boat from the Giza pyramids. Plans for the second boat’s reinstallation were also discussed, promising an unparalleled visitor experience.
A promotional film showcasing the GEM captivated attendees, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to providing exceptional tourist experiences.
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