By Mohamed Attia
Speaking at the “Al-Ahram Egyptian Tourism Forum” held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny emphasised that developing the Egyptian tourism product requires comprehensive integration across aviation, tourism, transport, services, and marketing.
This alignment aims to transform the diversity of Egypt’s destinations and products into marketable programmes and experiences that effectively reach target global markets.
El-Hefny stated that the ministry is working to strengthen national airline capabilities and expand air connectivity networks alongside airport capacity expansions and private sector participation.
Pointing out that tourism strength relies directly on air transport efficiency, seat capacity, and routing, he noted that emerging destinations like Alamein require tight integration across airports, airline networks, and service delivery.
To accommodate targeted tourism growth, the ministry is upgrading terminal capabilities and maximising the utility of Sphinx, Al-Alamein, the New Capital, and other regional hubs.
The minister also highlighted the importance of creating a flexible, attractive climate for private investment to boost capacity and service diversity.
He underscored that sector goals extend beyond passenger numbers to elevating the overall traveler experience, benchmarking against international standards, and expanding contributions to trade, air cargo, and logistics.
Head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority Navigator Sameh Fawzy confirmed that improving the aviation investment climate is pivotal to meeting future traffic and tourism demands.
He pointed to ongoing efforts in streamlining regulatory procedures, strengthening governance, and advancing digital transformation to build a more flexible environment for investors.
Fawzy explained that investment in aircraft acquisition and seat expansion must be backed by essential operational services and support infrastructure.
He outlined steps being taken to facilitate the entry of new airlines into the market while supporting existing carriers in expanding fleets, boosting capacity, and meeting rising demand.
Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company Pilot Wael El-Nashar highlighted that enhancing airport experiences is crucial for Egypt’s competitive edge as a tourism destination.
He detailed ongoing operational efficiency upgrades at Sphinx, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Al Alamein airports.
El-Nashar also explained that development plans focus on streamlining processing times across every stage of the passenger journey, alongside modernising visual identities and service offerings.
He commended the close coordination among all airport entities and underscored the sector’s unyielding commitment to the highest safety and security standards to deliver a seamless, positive travel experience.
Held under the theme “Egyptian Tourism: From Diverse Destinations to Enhancing Sustainable Global Competitiveness” to coincide with World Tourism Day, the forum took place under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Eissa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, and Chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ Tourism and Aviation Committee MP Sahar Talaat Mostafa.
