Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, met on Thursday with Spain’s Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, and archaeological heritage.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the FITUR 2026 International Tourism Fair in Madrid.
The annual event, which runs through January 25, brings together governments, tourism companies, and cultural institutions from around the world to showcase their destinations and forge partnerships.
During the talks, both ministers highlighted the longstanding ties between Egypt and Spain and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations following high-level visits in 2025, including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s trip to Madrid and the Spanish royal couple’s state visit to Cairo.
They also praised Spain’s participation in the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) describing it as a milestone in cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Fathy emphasized Egypt’s diverse tourism offerings, noting that while Spanish tourists have traditionally focused on Egypt’s historical sites, the country is also promoting beach, adventure, and heritage tourism. He said Egypt aims to develop integrated tourism packages that appeal to Spanish and European travelers.
Both sides also discussed the role of Spanish archaeological missions in Egypt, which contribute to excavation, research, and conservation efforts.
At the end of the meeting, Fathy invited Minister Urtasun to visit Egypt and tour the Grand Egyptian Museum, reinforcing the two countries’ shared commitment to cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
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