Issa Calls for Increase in Spending on Archaeological Sites, Museums

Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa met with Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Hisham Samir, Assistant Minister for Antiquities and Museum Projects and Head of the Projects Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

According to a statement recently issued by the Ministry of Tourism, the meeting discussed improving the efficiency of archaeological sites and museums for the current fiscal year (2023-2024) and reviewing the project work plan for the next fiscal year 2024-2025.

During the meeting, Issa emphasized the need for collective efforts to enhance the efficiency and development of archaeological sites and museums.

He also noted that the public spending of the Supreme Council of Antiquities on projects, including maintaining and restoring antiquities and museums, and enhancing the tourist experience at archaeological sites and museums, is still below the desired level.

In the same context, Issa affirmed his Ministry's keenness to increase spending on archaeological sites and museums through partnerships with the private sector, raising ticket prices, increasing visitor numbers, and collaborating with global and local civil institutions for funding. Consequently, the reliance on funding from the state’s general budget has decreased significantly, with effective financial management despite increased investment spending.

Furthermore, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities highlighted the importance of developing a vision and action plan to enhance the capabilities and leadership potential of Supreme Council of Antiquities employees through training and practical experience.