With beaches spanning almost 2.4 kilometres along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, Egypt is in a special geographic position. Its islands are also home to renowned diving locations and hotspots for water sports, making them desirable travel destinations.
Capitalising on these potentials, the government has developed plans to position itself as an emerging destination for yacht tourism. With the aim to attract global yachting enthusiasts, the government is focused on revamping its coastal areas, expediting permits, building new ports and marinas to expand the capacity for yachts.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli issued a decision authorising the Suez Canal Authority to take part in setting up a joint-stock company named Al-Alamein Port and Yacht Management Company.
The company will be tasked with the establishment and management of a state-of-the-art yacht marina in the North Coast.
Another important development in this direction of the promotion of yacht tourism is that the government has, since July 2023, granted tourists arriving on foreign tourist yachts a 3-month tourist stay instead of one month.
Additionally, the government has implemented measures to simplify and expedite procedures for foreign yachts arriving and departing from ports and marinas along the Egyptian coasts.
These measures include establishing a single digital platform for foreign yachts and reducing approval time for tourist yacht programmes to just 30 minutes instead of 15 to 30 days previously.
Furthermore, a uniform docking tariff has been set up at all government docks, passenger stations, and tourist ports.
“With these regulations in place and with the help of our favorable geographic position, yacht tourism could be well-placed to grown,” Tourism expert Kamel Mansour said.
“It is an invitation to foreign tourists to explore the beauty of our coasts and experience our rich cultural heritage at a more relaxed pace,” says Mansour, who is also member in the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers, told The Egyptian Gazette.
“Just as important, yacht tourists are now allowed more time to handle unexpected situations and safely navigate their craft, while avoiding rushed departures, which could otherwise put crew and passengers at risk,” Mansour added.
In its latest issue, the British magazine Super Yacht knowledge highlighted a special file on Egypt and its distinguished tourism potential in yacht tourism, in partnership with the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion.
The magazine, on its cover of this issue, shed light on the historic Al-Mahrousa yacht, which is the oldest superyacht in the world, and was keen to devote an entire section within the issue to the details of this yacht, which is more than half a century old.
“Yacht tourism offers a unique way to explore Egypt’s scenic coastline, from the Mediterranean charm of Alexandria to the Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters. It’s a sector with massive potential, combining luxury travel, water sports, and exclusive exploration of marine biodiversity. Additionally, yacht tourism has the potential to attract wealthy tourists, thereby bringing in significant revenues to the country,” Egyptian Tourism Federation former chief Elhami el-Zayat said.
He asserted that by creating a supportive environment for yacht tourism, the government is opening the doors to increased economic benefits and international recognition for Egypt.
“Yacht tourism can stimulate job creation in areas such as yacht maintenance, hospitality, and tour guiding. The development of marinas and other yacht tourism infrastructure can also generate construction and long-term operational jobs.
In addition, the influx of wealthy tourists attracted to yacht tourism can lead to an increase in spending at local businesses such as restaurants, stores and other tourist attractions,” el-Zayat said.
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