LONDON – On the sidelines of the grand opening of the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition in the British capital, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, held a series of high-level media briefings with leading British travel and tourism publications.
The Minister utilized the platform to showcase Egypt’s evolving tourism landscape, record-breaking visitor numbers, and the country's pioneering commitment to accessible tourism.
The Global Journey of King Ramses II
Minister Fathy highlighted the significance of the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition, which showcases rare artifacts reflecting the grandeur and craftsmanship of Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses the Great.
"Since its global tour began in 2021, this exhibition has captivated audiences in Houston, San Francisco, Paris, Sydney, Cologne, and Tokyo," the Minister noted. He emphasized that international exhibitions are vital strategic tools that cement Egypt's status as a premier cultural destination and provide potential visitors with a "glimpse of the unique treasures awaiting them in Egypt."
Grand Egyptian Museum: Record Crowds and Global Standards
Addressing the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Minister revealed that the museum is currently welcoming approximately 15,000 visitors daily. He attributed this success to a streamlined time-slot booking system designed to ensure an organized and world-class visitor experience.
Unprecedented Growth in 2025-2026
The Minister shared impressive performance indicators, noting that Egypt welcomed 19 million visitors in 2025—a 21% increase over 2024. He confirmed that this robust momentum has carried forward into the first quarter of 2026.
Under the ministry's new vision, "Egypt… Peerless Diversity," Mr. Fathy urged travelers to embrace multi-thematic experiences. He specifically invited tourists to dedicate at least two to three days to Cairo’s landmarks, such as the GEM and the Giza Pyramids, before heading to other coastal or cultural sites.
A Global Leader in Accessible Tourism
A significant portion of the briefings focused on Egypt’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The Minister detailed how the Grand Egyptian Museum was designed from the ground up to meet the highest international standards for People with Disabilities (PwD):
Physical Accessibility: The GEM’s architecture follows global codes, featuring specialized parking, ramps, elevators, and a fully accessible Khufu Boat Museum.
Intellectual Accessibility: Educational materials are available in simplified formats, with Braille signage provided in both Arabic and English.
Specialized Staff: A dedicated Accessibility Officer oversees all services, and staff undergo rigorous training to assist visitors with various disabilities.
Strategic Reforms and Green Mobility
The Minister underscored that Egyptian legislation now firmly reinforces the rights of persons with disabilities. This is reflected in the Ministry’s strategy to upgrade visitor services at major heritage sites:
Giza Pyramids Upgrade: Through private-sector partnerships, the Giza Plateau now features specialized paths and eco-friendly electric "Hop-on, Hop-off" buses equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Inclusive Services: Visitor centers now offer sign-language translated films and Braille brochures.
Hospitality Sector: A vast number of Egyptian hotels have been upgraded with specialized facilities to ensure a seamless hospitality experience for all.
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