**Reform at the Head of the Grand Egyptian Museum: A Strategy for Cultural and Tourism Influence**
On December 30, 2024, the Egyptian Official Gazette announced the ratification by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Decree No. 600, revising the composition of the Board of Directors of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Authority. This decision, which reaffirms the crucial importance of this museum, goes beyond a simple name change. It is part of a broader strategy aimed at establishing Egypt as a key cultural and tourism hub.
### A Board of Directors with Broader Horizons
The new GEM Board of Directors, planned for a three-year term, is distinguished by its diversity and internationalism. By including iconic figures such as Taro Aso, former Prime Minister of Japan, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, former Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority, the Egyptian government is opening its doors to a diversity of expertise and perspectives. This collaborative approach demonstrates a desire to unify cultural stakeholders on the international stage.
Interestingly, many museums around the world are adopting these multicultural models. For example, the British Museum in London and the Louvre in Paris have benefited from international governance that has allowed them to remain relevant and innovative in the conservation and presentation of their collections.
### An Opportunity for Egyptian Tourism
This reorganization is also intended to be a boost for Egypt’s tourism sector, which has been hit hard in recent years by periods of political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. The GEM, which is scheduled to open in 2025, is designed to welcome millions of visitors each year. With its impressive collections, including iconic artifacts from ancient Egypt, the museum represents a strategic asset to boost tourism in the country.
For example, the Vatican Museum, known for its innovative management and rich exhibitions, attracts more than 6 million visitors each year. Egypt hopes to learn from these examples and establish a similar model, transforming the GEM into a top destination on the global heritage map.
### Responding to Criticism and Attracting Investment
However, this announcement does not come without its challenges. Egypt faces criticism over the management of its cultural heritage, as well as concerns about preserving its history in the face of tourism projects. Establishing a Board of Trustees open to international experts could help better address these concerns and implement respectful and sustainable conservation practices..
By integrating members of organizations such as the World Tourism Organization, GEM could attract international investors interested in participating in this initiative. McKinsey’s report on tourism in North Africa, for example, highlights that investments in cultural infrastructure can generate significant economic returns, while promoting the protection of heritage.
### Towards Regional Cultural Leadership
Beyond economic objectives, GEM has the potential to propel Egypt as a cultural leader in the region, by strengthening its partnerships with other countries on the shores of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Creating alliances with other museum institutions, such as the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, could pave the way for unprecedented cultural exchanges, fostering a better understanding between civilizations.
### Conclusion
Thus, the reconstitution of the GEM Authority Board of Directors, while a mere administrative formality, reveals a deep strategic intention: to revitalize the Egyptian economy, modernize conservation practices, and promote an image of cultural ecology on the international stage. By relying on international cooperation and world-renowned experts, Egypt is positioning the Grand Egyptian Museum as a symbol of renaissance and aspiration, both for its citizens and for the millions of visitors who will come to discover its invaluable heritage.