Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, recently met with senior editors and board heads from a range of state-owned and private newspapers at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). This initiative aims to strengthen joint efforts to promote Egypt’s rich heritage.
He underlined the pivotal role the media plays in raising public awareness about the significance of preserving Egypt’s monumental legacy.
“We believe that nurturing true appreciation for our history requires a media discourse rooted in knowledge, objectivity, and a deep sense of belonging.”
The minister outlined the ministry’s current strategy, which operates under the slogan “Egypt… Unparalleled Diversity.” The campaign spotlights Egypt’s extensive cultural wealth, diverse tourist offerings, and unique historical assets.
Minister Fathy also highlighted the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies as a key innovation in tourism promotion, signalling a shift towards digital marketing and outreach via major social media platforms.
Despite ongoing regional geopolitical challenges, he said, the tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth. The minister reported that the country welcomed 15.8 million tourists in 2024, a 6 per cent increase compared to 2023 and a record-breaking rise exceeding pre-pandemic numbers by over 21 per cent.
The momentum carried into the first quarter of 2025, with tourism numbers surging by a further 25 per centyear-on-year. These figures, Minister Fathy said, underscore growing international confidence in Egypt as a premier travel destination.
The ministry’s strategy also focuses on fostering economic security within the tourism sector, particularly by maximising direct benefits for citizens living near key archaeological and tourist sites. A new electronic education platform is also being established to enhance skills and professional capacities across the sector.
Turning to upcoming milestones, Minister Fathy said that the GEM is slated for its formal inauguration on July 3.
“The GEM is not merely a venue for antiquities,” he said, “but an international hub for Egyptology research and studies, reinforcing Egypt’s esteemed position in the academic and scientific spheres.”
To tackle challenges in Egypt’s tourism sector, the minister prioritized increasing hotel capacity, aiming to double the number of rooms by 2030. The announcement also included investment incentives and new regulations for “Holiday Homes” to guarantee quality, security, and visitor comfort.
Highlighting future development plans, Fathy referenced a comprehensive project to enhance the Sphinx Airport-Saqqara-Dahshur corridor, including the areas surrounding the Pyramids of Giza and the GEM.
