Egypt wants to boost tourism by expanding flight routes, bed capacity and offering travellers an even better experience, said Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa at ITB Berlin, outlining his concept for 20%-30% sector growth over the next few years.

He said he would like to focus more on those taking individual tours as well as families. A new campaign targeting mainly 12 European countries aims to portray the country’s wide-ranging attractions.

With its historical sites, beaches and rich cultural past, Egypt is among Germans’ favourite destinations in North Africa. The country boasts 365 days of sunshine a year and is therefore a magnet for northern Europeans, particularly in winter.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said he plans to welcome even more visitors in the future. The new campaign focuses on various ways to holiday, with Nile cruises, sports and desert tours on offer, along with beaches and relaxation.

Issa said he also wants them to enjoy a better-quality experience, explaining that begins at home with making arrangements and obtaining a visa, continues with arriving at the airport and ends with staying at a holiday destination.

According to Issa, the mainly privately owned hotels and tour operators are important partners. The minister sees digitalisation as being a big opportunity too. In Egypt, 90 per cent of tickets to see attractions are now sold online, which makes life a lot easier particularly for those undertaking individual tours.

Fans of Egypt are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, whose facades are a tribute to the pyramids of Giza. Issa announced the tourist highlight was due to open in late 2023 or early 2024, he noted.

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