Egypt is seeking to boost inbound tourism from the Gulf and Asia by leveraging the Emirates airline network and connecting it to Egyptian tourism cities.
This move is part of a broader plan to facilitate access for tourists from distant markets.
Increasing the Number of Flights
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates Airlines.
They discussed prospects for joint cooperation aimed at supporting and increasing inbound tourism to Egypt.
The meeting took place during the minister’s current visit to Dubai, UAE, where he is participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2025).
The two sides held extensive discussions on ways to enhance coordination.
Particularly regarding supporting tourist flows to Egypt by Emirates’ vast airline network.
Especially from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Asia.
Emirates Airlines Flights to Cover More Egyptian Tourism Cities
The talks also explored the possibility of increasing Emirates Airlines flights to several Egyptian tourism cities.
Including Hurghada and New Alamein.
As well as the potential for connecting these destinations with integrated flight routes targeting tourists from distant markets.
During the meeting, the minister presented investment opportunities in Egypt’s tourism sector.
Particularly in the development and construction of hotels, aiming to increase the sector’s capacity and readiness to accommodate more tourists.
Gulf countries are among the top tourism source markets for Egypt.
Due to cultural and social ties and the favorable climate in Egyptian destinations.
Target: Attracting 30 Million Tourists to Egypt by 2028
Asian tourism to Egypt has also witnessed significant growth in recent years.
Especially from India, China, and Malaysia, driven by improved diplomatic relations and expansion of direct air routes.
According to official data, Egyptian tourism cities recorded revenues of approximately $13.6 billion in 2023.
The Egyptian government aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028.
This is through infrastructure development plans and strengthening international partnerships in transport and aviation.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Ahmed Youssef, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Strategic Management Affairs and Acting CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, and Mr. Ahmed Nabil, Minister’s Assistant for Follow-up and Aviation Affairs.
