Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa confirmed that Egypt has overcome various obstacles and challenges in the tourism sector, breaking new records in 2023 after receiving more than 14 million tourists.
At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Issa announced that Egypt welcomed 14.906 million tourists in 2023, breaking the previous record of 14.731 million tourists set in 2010.
“The fourth quarter of 2023 saw strong demand for tourism, which is considered the second in history, with the arrival of 3.6 million tourists in Egypt, an increase of around eight percent per year. compared to the same period of the previous year, and a drop of 600,000 tourists compared to the previous year.”
He noted that the war in Gaza has impacted plans for this year.
The Minister of Tourism indicated that the achieved objectives linked to the National Tourism Strategy have greatly contributed to achieving record figures in the tourist movement entering Egypt.
These objectives include the formulation of policies that boost Egypt’s tourism supply, instill confidence in the relationship with the private sector, as evidenced by the performance of the sector and the increase in state dollar revenues.
This is also in addition to the financial reform efforts of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which resulted in a five-fold increase in its revenue.
Efforts are underway to double available air capacity, tripling it by 2028, he said. This translates into an increase in the number of incentive and inbound air seats to Egypt from 561,852 seats in August 2022 to 698,779 seats in October 2023.
And the minister discussed in detail the ongoing work to improve tourism services, raise awareness, improve hotel security, double their capacity and improve the investment climate.
Amid the post-pandemic recovery of global tourism, Egypt is positioning itself as an attractive tourist destination, offering unique historical, cultural and natural attractions. Recording a record number of more than 14 million tourists in 2023, the country demonstrates its ability to attract and welcome visitors from around the world.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa highlights the achievements of the National Tourism Strategy, which has boosted the sector by promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors. This collaboration made it possible to formulate policies oriented towards the tourist offer, to strengthen confidence in the sector and to increase income in foreign currencies.
Additionally, Egypt also managed to double available air capacity and improve tourism services, hotel security and investment environment.
In a world that is increasingly connected and where travel has become more accessible, Egypt is positioning itself as an essential destination for lovers of history, culture and adventure. With its thousand-year-old pyramids, majestic temples and heavenly beaches, Egypt offers a unique and memorable tourist experience.
In conclusion, Egypt continues to overcome challenges and obstacles to position itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With record numbers of tourists in 2023, the country demonstrates its attractiveness and its tourist potential. It is hoped that this positive trend will continue in the future, thus contributing to economic development and the promotion of Egypt’s cultural wealth.