Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a meeting today to review an ambitious international development plan aimed at enhancing the area surrounding the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and extending from Sphinx International Airport in the north to Dahshur in the south. The plan focuses on boosting the area’s tourist appeal and improving visitor services, in recognition of its exceptional archaeological and historical significance.
The meeting, which included Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny and Assistant Minister of Housing Abdel Khalek Ibrahim, emphasized strategies to transform the area into a world-class destination while preserving its cultural heritage. Prime Minister Madbouly highlighted the area’s UNESCO-listed sites and underscored the importance of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s upcoming opening as a milestone in the development effort.
“This area is home to invaluable historical treasures, and its development is crucial for preserving its legacy while improving the visitor experience for both Egyptians and international tourists,” Madbouly said.
The discussions centered on increasing tourist traffic and enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Several development and tourism strategies were presented, reflecting the government’s commitment to elevating the area’s status as a global tourism hub. This initiative is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to enhance its tourism sector and leverage its cultural assets to drive economic growth.
Egypt’s tourism sector has seen significant progress, with the World Tourism Organization reporting that the country led African nations in tourism revenue, earning $14 billion. Additionally, Egypt ranked third among Arab nations in tourist arrivals, welcoming approximately 14.9 million visitors. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities expects this number to rise to about 15.3 million by the end of 2024, marking a 5% increase over the previous year. However, the government’s original target of 18 million tourists may be impacted by regional instability.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to strengthening the tourism sector, with plans to increase annual revenues from $12 billion to $30 billion over the next three years. The sector continues to show resilience, with hotel occupancy rates averaging over 75%, and in some areas, surpassing 90%.
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy praised the sector’s performance, noting that 2023 saw a record 14.91 million international tourists, the highest in Egypt’s tourism history. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Travel Market in London, Fathy expressed confidence in Egypt’s growing status as a leading global destination.
