Sunday 08/February/2026 – 04:10 PM
Sherif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, held media meetings with a number of major Turkish channels and news agencies, during which he reviewed developments in the tourism sector in Egypt, and the prospects for tourism and investment cooperation between the two countries, stressing the strength of Egyptian-Turkish relations, and pointing to the successful visit of the Turkish President to Egypt recently, within the framework of his visit to the Republic of Türkiye to participate in the international tourism exhibition EMITT.
The Minister of Tourism holds a group of media meetings during his participation in the EMITT International Tourism Exhibition in Turkey
The minister explained that Egypt received 19 million tourists during the year 2025, an increase of 20% over the year 2024, with a target to achieve additional growth of 10% in 2026. He also pointed to the significant increase in the number of tourists coming from Turkey by 43% during 2025, expecting continued growth during 2026, in light of expectations of an increase in flight reservations coming from the Turkish market by a rate ranging between 20% and 25%.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation with airlines and tour operators to support intra-tourism and the sustainability of air connectivity, pointing out that Egypt was the first tourist destination for Turkish tourists in 2025. He also pointed to the growth of cultural tourism, with a 30% increase in tickets to enter archaeological sites and museums, especially with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which receives about 15,000 visitors daily.
The Minister stressed that Egypt is a safe country, and that the positive image of it is transmitted mainly through the experiences of the visitors themselves and what they transmit after their return to their countries, or through the ambassadors of countries accredited to Egypt, noting the keenness of many ambassadors to wander the streets of historic Cairo on a regular basis, in a clear message that reflects security and stability and supports the positive image of Egypt.
The Minister reviewed the strategy of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, stressing that Egypt possesses diverse and unique tourism products that are unparalleled globally and that can be combined to provide new experiences, in addition to relying on digital marketing tools and artificial intelligence in promotional campaigns. He stressed that the tourist season in Egypt extends throughout the year, with the increasing demand for luxury tourism and Nile cruises.
On the investment level, he pointed to the growing Turkish investments in Egypt, and the state’s efforts to attract more tourism investments through incentives and facilities, especially in the field of hotel construction, stressing the existence of promising opportunities in areas such as the North Coast and the New City of El Alamein, which last summer received tourists from more than 106 nationalities, with charter flights increasing there by 500%.
