Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Sponsors Open Water Swimming World Cup and Egypt Equestrian Cup in Soma Bay

In a strategic move to bolster the competitiveness of Egypt’s tourism sector and highlight its diverse offerings—particularly sports tourism—the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, has announced its sponsorship of two major international and national sporting events in Soma Bay, Red Sea governorate.

The Ministry is sponsoring the 2026 World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup, a prestigious stop on the global circuit approved by World Aquatics, alongside the 2026 Egypt Equestrian Cup.

"Egypt: Unmatched Diversity"

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that sponsoring these events aligns with the Ministry's broader strategy to diversify Egypt’s tourism products under the slogan "Egypt… Unmatched Diversity." The Minister noted that sports tourism possesses a unique ability to attract new demographics of travelers while showcasing Egypt's world-class infrastructure and its capacity to host high-profile international competitions.

He further stressed the importance of synergy between the government, the private sector, and sports federations to organize events with the highest levels of professionalism, reflecting Egypt’s modern image on the global tourism map.

A Message of Stability and Professionalism

Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, stated that supporting these championships is part of the Authority's mission to drive inbound tourism. He highlighted that hosting such events in premier destinations like Soma Bay sends a clear message to the world regarding the safety, stability, and professional capabilities of Egypt as a host nation.

 "Egypt possesses the diverse assets required to qualify as a leading destination for major international and regional events," Dr. Youssef added.

Tournament Highlights

1. 2026 Open Water Swimming World Cup

Organized in cooperation with the Abu Soma Tourism Development Company, this year’s edition saw a massive turnout:

Participation: 124 athletes representing 30 national federations from five continents.

 Venue: Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Soma Bay Marina on the Red Sea coast.

Events: Included the grueling 10km races for both men and women, as well as the mixed team relay.

2. 2026 Egypt Equestrian Cup

Held in partnership with the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and Abu Soma Tourism Development, this event stands as one of the nation's most prestigious equestrian competitions.

Participation: Featured a selection of Egypt's elite riders and top clubs.

 Standards: The tournament adhered to the strict organizational and professional criteria set by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, reflecting the rapid growth and sophistication of specialized sports management within the country.

The successful hosting of these dual championships underscores Soma Bay's growing reputation as a hub for international sports and luxury tourism.