LONDON – Mr. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, conducted a series of strategic professional meetings in London with leading UK tour operators, travel agencies, and international event organizers. The meetings mark the commencement of the Minister’s official visit to the British capital for the seventh inauguration of the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition.
Record-Breaking Growth in 2025
During the sessions, Minister Fathy highlighted Egypt’s exceptional tourism performance. Key indicators revealed that 2025 saw a 21% increase in international arrivals compared to 2024, accompanied by a significant rise in tourism revenues and total guest nights.
The British market, specifically, showed robust momentum:
16% growth in UK arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Strong projections for continued growth throughout the current year (2026).
A Strategy of "Integrated Experiences"
The Minister detailed the Ministry’s vision to pivot toward a more diverse and integrated tourism product. Rather than focusing on single destinations, the strategy emphasizes "pairing" unique Egyptian experiences:
Cultural & Coastal: Combining beach holidays with historical site visits.
Spirituality & Nature: Linking the "Holy Family Trail" with Nile Cruises.
Adventure & Relaxation: Connecting Siwa Oasis with the North Coast, or St. Catherine with Sharm El-Sheikh.
The Rise of the North Coast and Alamein
A major focal point was the transformation of the North Coast and New Alamein City into global hubs. Minister Fathy noted a staggering 540% increase in charter flights to Alamein last year.
"With three international airports serving the region, the North Coast is more accessible than ever," the Minister stated. "Notably, Sphinx International Airport is only 2.5 hours away, allowing British tourists to seamlessly combine a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the Giza Pyramids with a luxury beach stay."
Industry Response
UK tour operators confirmed they have already begun designing and marketing "multi-experience" packages for Egypt, which have successfully attracted new demographics of high-spending travelers. They praised the ongoing coordination with the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion (EGATP) to further penetrate the British market.
Official Delegation
The meetings were attended by a high-level Egyptian delegation, including:
Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion.
Ms. Rana Gohar, Advisor to the Minister for Communications and External Relations.
Mr. Mohamed Mohsen, Director of the Americas and Iberian Peninsula Unit at EGATP.
Ms. Yasmine Sami, First Secretary at the Egyptian Embassy in London.
Follow the latest news on Google News
