Egyptian Businessmen Among Most Influential Tourism & Travel Leaders in Middle East

Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, Egypt continues to be a major attraction for both tourists and investors. In 2023, Egypt received 14.9 million tourists, underscoring its significant role in the Middle East's tourism landscape.

Forbes has recognized nine Egyptian businessmen among the Most Influential Tourism and Travel Leaders in the Middle East 2024. Among them, Mohamed Abou El-Enein stands out for his extensive contributions to the industry.

Mohamed Abou El-Enein

Company: Cleopatra Hospitality Group

Designation: Founder and Chairman

Category: Hotels and Resorts

Mohamed Abou El-Enein, a prominent figure in Egypt's business landscape, founded the Cleopatra Group in 1983, starting with a ceramics business. Today, Cleopatra Luxury Hotels & Resorts, part of his business empire, has established prestigious resorts in Sharm Sheikh, Makadi Bay, North Coast Sidi Heneish, and Marsa Alam.

His leadership extends beyond hospitality, as he also serves as the president of the Egyptian-European Business Council, the Egyptian-Portuguese Business Council, the Arab Investors Union, and the General Division of Investors of the General Federation of the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. Notably, he was elected deputy speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives in 2021 and has been a member of the People’s Assembly of Egypt since 1995.

Other Influential Egyptian Leaders.

1. Hisham Talaat Moustafa

- Company: Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG Holding)

- Designation: CEO and Managing Director

- Category: Hotels and Resorts

- Achievements: Under Moustafa's leadership, TMG Holding's hospitality revenues reached $115 million in 2023. The ICON Group, its hospitality arm, expanded its portfolio by acquiring a 51% stake in seven hotels in Egypt.

2. Hamed El Chiaty

- Company: Travco Group

- Designation: Founder and Chairman

- Category: Hotels and Resorts

- Achievements: El Chiaty founded Travco in 1979. The company now operates across various sectors, including hospitality and aviation, and serves around 4.5 million clients annually. In December 2023, Jaz Hotel Group, a Travco division, acquired and rebranded a property to "Pyramids Resort by Jaz."

3. Tarek El Sayed

- Company: Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC)

- Designation: Managing Director and CEO

- Category: Hotels and Resorts

- Achievements: Since 2017, El Sayed has expanded ARTIC’s portfolio to over 35 hotels worldwide. In 2023, ARTIC opened the JW Marriott Hotel Berlin and introduced branded residences in New Cairo.

4. Kamel Abou-Aly

- Company: Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts Group

- Designation: Founder and Chairman

- Category: Hotels and Resorts

- Achievements: Abou-Aly’s Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts Group operates 25 hotels in Egypt, with plans to expand to 30 by 2025. His involvement in the sports and film industries further highlights his diverse business interests.

5. Yehia Zakaria

- Company: EGYPTAIR Holding Company

- Designation: Chairman and CEO

- Category: Airlines

- Achievements: Zakaria led EGYPTAIR to a 19% increase in passengers in 2023. The airline operates flights to 79 destinations with a fleet of 81 aircraft.

6. Ahmed Shanan

- Company: AirCairo

- Designation: Chairman and CEO

- Category: Airlines

- Achievements: Under Shanan’s leadership, AirCairo operates over 400 weekly flights to 60 destinations. His expertise in safety and quality management has been pivotal for the airline’s growth.

7. Hossam El Shaer

- Company: SUNRISE Resorts and Cruises; SkyMax Holidays

- Designation: Founder and Chairman; Chairman

- Category: Hotels and Resorts

- Achievements: El Shaer founded SUNRISE in 2002, which now has 20 resorts in Egypt. He also owns the real estate company Madaar and chairs SkyMax Holidays, expanding his influence in the tourism sector.

8. Amr Badr

- Company: Abercrombie & Kent Egypt

- Designation: Managing Director - Egypt and the Middle East

- Category: Travel Services

- Achievements: Badr has over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. Abercrombie & Kent Egypt offers comprehensive travel services and employs over 400 full-time staff across nine offices in Egypt. Badr is a board member of the Egypt-USA Business Council and a trustee of Education For Employment Egypt.

These leaders have significantly contributed to Egypt's prominence in the Middle East's tourism industry, driving economic growth and showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage on the global stage.