As part of his official visit to the Republic of Türkiye for the EMITT International Tourism & Travel Exhibition, Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, held a series of high-level media interviews with major Turkish news agencies and television networks.
During these engagements, the Minister highlighted the latest developments in Egypt’s tourism sector and explored horizons for bilateral tourism and investment cooperation. He emphasized the strength of Egyptian-Turkish relations, referencing the success of the Turkish President’s recent visit to Egypt as a catalyst for further partnership.
Record Growth and 2026 Targets
Minister Fathy revealed that Egypt welcomed 19 million tourists in 2025, marking a 20% increase compared to 2024. Looking ahead, the Ministry aims for an additional 10% growth in 2026.
Regarding the Turkish market specifically:
Visitor Surge: Turkish tourist arrivals to Egypt grew by 43% in 2025.
Market Lead: Egypt ranked as the top destination for Turkish travelers in 2025.
Aviation Forecast: Flight bookings from Turkey are expected to rise by 20% to 25% in 2026.
Cultural Tourism and the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Minister noted a significant rise in cultural tourism, with a 30% increase in ticket sales for archaeological sites and museums. He specifically highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which currently receives approximately 15,000 visitors daily.
Safety and Positive Perception
Addressing Egypt’s security landscape, the Minister asserted that Egypt remains a safe destination. He noted that the most authentic testimonials come from the visitors themselves and foreign ambassadors residing in Egypt. He pointed out that many ambassadors regularly walk through the streets of Historic Cairo, sending a clear message of stability and safety to the global community.
Strategic Innovation
The Minister outlined the Ministry’s strategy, which focuses on:
Diverse Products: Combining unique tourism offerings to create new, integrated experiences.
Technology: Utilizing Digital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for promotional campaigns.
High-End Travel: Meeting the rising demand for luxury tourism and Nile cruises throughout the year.
Investment Opportunities
On the economic front, Minister Fathy highlighted the growth of Turkish investments in Egypt. He emphasized the state’s efforts to attract further hospitality investment through incentives, particularly in hotel construction.
"There are promising opportunities in areas like the North Coast and New Alamein City," the Minister stated. He noted that New Alamein hosted tourists from 106 different nationalities last summer, with charter flights to the city increasing by a staggering 500%.
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