Egyptian Tourism Minister Speaks at MENA Conference in London

Ahmed Issa, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, served as the keynote speaker at the 21st Annual Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Conference hosted at the London Business School, United Kingdom, from May 3 to 5, 2024.

The conference, themed "Paths to Prosperity: Vision, Values, and Ventures," aimed to enhance dialogue and cooperation among regional leaders, diplomats, and academics, and to bridge connections between the MENA region and the global community.

The event saw the participation of Egypt's Ambassador to the UK, Sherif Kamel, and focused on the cultural and economic dynamics of the MENA region. Topics included the potential for growth in cultural heritage, tourism, and economic development, with an emphasis on sports as a catalyst for regional prominence.

In his presentation, Minister Issa outlined the significant strides made in Egypt’s tourism sector under the national tourism development strategy. He detailed ambitious plans to boost annual tourist visits to 30 million by 2028, a growth target of 25% to 30% per year. He emphasized that the strategy includes enhancing air traffic to Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and improving the tourism investment climate and hotel infrastructure.

Minister Issa also discussed initiatives to elevate the overall tourist experience in Egypt, highlighting efforts to improve service quality across the tourism industry. He noted the ministry’s role in regulating and promoting the sector, ensuring high standards of health, safety, and security, all aimed at delivering a superior tourist experience.

The conference underscores Egypt’s proactive approach to shaping its tourism sector as a cornerstone of economic growth and international cooperation.