Dr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that the performance of the tourism sector increased by more than 20% this year compared to only 6% last year, thanks to strategic plans to activate tourism and intensified marketing efforts.

He added during an interview on the program “Kalima Akhira” on “ON E” channel that the ministry’s vision is to make Egypt the world’s top destination in terms of tourism diversity, under the slogan “Egypt.. Unmatched Diversity.” He explained that Egypt possesses exceptional tourism assets such as the Holy Family Route and diving areas in Sharm El-Sheikh, alongside traditional destinations like Hurghada and Luxor. He emphasized the importance of creating new tourist routes and not relying solely on traditional paths.

Fathy confirmed that reaching 30 million tourists is an achievable goal by doubling the number of hotel rooms, currently about 235,000 rooms, with 5,500 new rooms added this year. He pointed to incentives and facilities granted to construction projects and hotel apartments “Holiday Home,” including the possibility of converting residential units into hotel units through the Urban Communities Authority without additional fees.

The Minister of Tourism pointed out that the main obstacles facing the hotel room sector lie in the fact that the Ministry of Tourism does not have jurisdiction over lands, especially after the transfer of the Tourism Development Authority to the Ministry of Housing.

He stressed the necessity of establishing an “Investment Opportunities Bank” and automating it through a website in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment to facilitate direct access for investors to these opportunities.