Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa inaugurated the first African-Egyptian Tourism Forum and Exhibition in Sharm El-Sheikh, representing Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The event, organized by GMT Fair and held at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Conference Center, runs from May 20 to 21.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda, various ministers, ambassadors, and participants from multiple countries.
Issa welcomed the attendees to "the City of Peace," highlighting Sharm El-Sheikh's dual role as a premier tourist destination and a significant hub for local and international conferences.
In his address, Issa conveyed Prime Minister Madbouly's greetings and hopes for the forum's success.
He emphasized the forum's importance as a professional gathering and an effective platform for showcasing Africa's unique and distinguished tourism assets.
The event aims to enhance collaborative efforts among African nations to promote the tourism sector and attract experts, professionals, and investors to contribute to the industry's growth.
Issa noted Africa's remarkable recovery in tourism, achieving 96% of its 2019 inbound tourism levels according to the World Tourism Organization's 2023 report, which highlighted Africa as the fastest-growing tourism market.
The minister underscored the need for continued efforts to strengthen African cooperation, develop a roadmap for the continent's tourism industry, and implement unified policies to maximize mutual benefits.
He stressed the importance of promoting intra-African tourism, leveraging investment opportunities, and marketing joint African tourism programs and products.
The forum marks a significant step in fostering tourism collaboration across Africa, aiming to position the continent as a leading player in the global tourism market.
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