The first session of the African Tourism Forum and Exhibition, held at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center during the 20th and 21st of May in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, the distinguished tourist destination that has become an important center for local and international conferences and events, was a great success… and attendance and turnout exceeded all expectations, due to the importance of this forum. As a professional gathering and an effective participatory platform to highlight the distinct and unique tourism components of the ancient African continent.
On behalf of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, His Excellency Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, participated in the opening of the African-Egyptian Tourism Forum and Exhibition during the 20th and 21st of May in Sharm El-Sheikh, which was held for the first time in Egypt, and organized by GMT Fair. Fair”, at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Center.
The attendance was attended by Mr. Major General Khaled Fouda, Governor of South Sinai, a number of ministers and ambassadors of various countries, and participants from several countries.
During the forum, His Excellency the Minister of Tourism delivered a speech, during which he welcomed all attendees to the city of peace, “Sharm El-Sheikh,” pointing out that this city is not only a distinguished tourist destination with unique tourism capabilities, but has also become an important center for local and international conferences and events.
Issa also indicated his participation on behalf of His Excellency the Prime Minister, who conveys his greetings and wishes that this forum will witness a fruitful success and achieve its desired goals.
The Minister appreciated the importance of this forum as a professional gathering and an effective participatory platform to highlight the distinct and unique tourism components and products in the ancient African continent, and an opportunity to enhance joint tourism cooperation between African countries and encourage experts, professionals and investors in the tourism sector towards concerted efforts to develop the tourism industry in Africa and maximize Its role in the global tourism sector.
He pointed out the great success that the African continent has achieved in restoring the rates of incoming tourist traffic, as it recovered 96% of the volume of incoming traffic during the year 2019, according to the World Tourism Organization report, which described tourism in the African continent as the fastest growing during the year 2023.
He stressed the importance of continuing to work on strengthening more mechanisms of joint African cooperation and integration to draw a road map for the tourism industry on the African continent, in addition to developing and coordinating unified policies aimed at maximizing common interests and promoting intra-tourism between different African countries, benefiting from investment opportunities in these countries, and promoting programs and products. Joint African tourism.
He explained that the tourism industry in Egypt has achieved positive results during the last period in light of the implementation of the national strategy for tourism development in it, which contributes to achieving its goals with annual growth ranging between 25% to 30%, reaching 30 million tourists by 2028.
He explained that the three main axes of this strategy came to confront the most prominent challenges facing the industry that prevent it from reaching the targets, which include working to increase the number of airline seats coming to Egypt in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and improving the tourism investment climate in Egypt, especially hotels, in addition to working to improve The tourism experience in Egypt and raising the quality of tourism services provided there.
He also spoke about the role of civil action institutions representing the private tourism sector, which is represented by the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers and the various tourism chambers, in advancing work in the industry, explaining that with the issuance of the new law to establish tourism chambers and organize a union for them, these institutions will have a greater role and representation, as the law gives them powers. Wide as the main driver of the industry.
In his speech, he pointed to the Ministry’s role as a supervisor, organizer and licenser to work in the tourism industry in Egypt and its concern for the interests of tourists and for them to receive the service they deserve during their visit to Egyptian tourist destinations.
He also reviewed the most prominent indicators achieved by the tourism industry in Egypt during the last period, as it achieved 14.906 million tourists during the year 2023, which is considered a record number in the number of tourist traffic arriving there, as it exceeded the tourist numbers for the year 2010, which was considered the peak year.
He explained that the Egyptian state continues to achieve its goals for this industry despite the current geopolitical events in the Middle East region in light of the rapid policies and procedures that were followed, and the efforts of the private tourism sector, which contributed to maintaining the presence of the Egyptian tourism product with international tour operators, seizing the opportunity to congratulate The private sector is grateful for this performance and their exemplary and intelligent way of dealing in this context.
Issa also announced the most prominent indicators achieved by the tourism industry in Egypt during the first four months of this year, as it achieved 4.6 million tourists, which is the second highest number in incoming tourist traffic to Egypt after 2010, which achieved 4.7 million tourists during the same period.
He added that this period also witnessed the achievement of a record number in tourism revenues, which is considered the highest in the history of tourism in Egypt as a result of the increase in both the number of tourist nights and the value of spending in dollars from the levels of 2010, as revenues reached $4.3 billion compared to $4.1 billion in 2023. And $3.7 billion in 2010.
He pointed out that the Egyptian state places the tourism industry in Egypt at the top of its priorities and is making a great effort to support and advance this industry, pointing to the speech of the President of the Republic on the occasion of His Excellency taking the constitutional oath in the House of Representatives in the New Administrative Capital, during which he pointed to the most important features and goals of national action during the phase. In the future, including adopting strategies that maximize Egypt’s economic capabilities and resources and the solidity and flexibility of the Egyptian economy in the face of crises while achieving strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth, strengthening the role of the private sector as an essential partner in leading development, focusing on several sectors, including tourism, and gradually increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product and attracting More local and foreign investments.
He spoke about the importance of the state’s major infrastructure development in achieving rapid growth in the tourism industry, as it witnessed an improvement in the road and transportation network, airports, new railways, and the operation of new airports, which reflects positively on its tourism sector and eases the transportation of tourists and opens horizons. A new initiative to develop the multiple tourism experience product by linking cities and their various tourist destinations, in addition to achieving the highest levels of security and safety, which reflected positively on the tourism industry in Egypt.
He reviewed Egypt’s various tourism components and products that have a great competitive advantage, explaining that the Ministry is currently focusing on a group of products, namely cultural tourism, adventure tourism, beach tourism, and family tourism, in addition to tourists who are looking for an integrated tourism experience with multiple experiences and styles. Tourist.
He also talked about the ministry currently preparing the new Cairo cultural product, Cairo City Break, which will make the city of Cairo an independent tourist destination and will work to increase the number of tourist nights there, noting that it is scheduled to be launched during the coming period.
He also touched on the efforts made by the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion to implement marketing programs and joint promotional campaigns in cooperation with professional partners such as tour operators and airlines, as well as its organization of many important Fam Trips.
He concluded his speech by talking about the importance of tourism as one of the most important tools of soft power and a bridge for communication and cultural exchange between peoples, calling on all participants to enrich the activities of this forum and exhibition, and wishing everyone success, and a happy stay in Egypt during which they can enjoy its diverse tourist and archaeological components.
In his speech, Major General Khaled Fouda, Governor of South Sinai, spoke about the great importance of holding this forum, which stems from the growing and inevitability of the role played by the tourism industry in African countries in particular and the countries of the world in general, especially in light of the regional and international changes and challenges the world is witnessing.
The governor stressed the importance of cooperation and teamwork between those involved in the tourism and investment sectors in light of these changes, which is confirmed by the interest and attendance of more than 2,000 participants from around the world, in addition to many ambassadors of African countries, tourism experts, specialists and representatives of travel and tourism agencies from more than 30. State in this forum.
He also expressed his wishes for the success of this forum and achieving the best positive results for all countries participating in it, through discussions and identifying the challenges and risks facing the tourism sector, while evaluating the available and possible investment opportunities in this field in order to develop clear and implementable strategies and policies in the future.
He pointed out that the countries of the African continent have enormous potential, as they have thousands of kilometers of the best beaches and coastlines in the world, hundreds of natural reserves, lakes, waterfalls, natural waterfalls, a picturesque environment, and a strong and enormous infrastructure, the most important of which are international airlines, the best roads, hundreds of bridges and tunnels, and various hotels. Levels and types that suit all levels of tourists.
He also talked about the city of Sharm El-Sheikh receiving the United Nations certificate as a center for resilience and resilience in the face of disasters on the African continent in 2022, and the award for the best Arab tourist city in organizing tourism events and activities in the Arab world in 2023, and its obtaining a bronze medal from the United Nations in 2023. As the third best city for living and coexistence in the world, and in 2024 it received the best safe tourist destination and safe tourist destination in the world, and the Golden Award as the best tourist city, in addition to receiving the award for the best Arab official and development leader in a tourist city, and obtaining the Man of the Year shield. For the year 2024.
On the sidelines of the forum, His Excellency Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Major General Khaled Fouda, Governor of South Sinai, made an inspection tour of one of the major tourist resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh, the first phase of which was recently opened, during which they inspected the services, entertainment and shopping places it provides, and a group of restaurants, cafeterias and shops. Commercial and hospitality venues.
They also listened to a detailed explanation from Mr. Nasser Abdul Latif, the tourism investor and owner of the tourist resort, about the components of the resort and the number of existing hotel rooms, as it was noted that it was partially opened 4 months ago, and that it includes various places for entertainment and the largest amusement area for children.
It was noted that hotel occupancy rates at the resort since its opening have witnessed an increase, reaching 106% during the last Eid al-Fitr period. It also provides 800 direct job opportunities, and that there are a large number of international tour operators who have completed hotel reservations for next October and the tourist season. This is new, especially since the city’s tourist season lasts for 12 months a year. For his part, His Excellency the Minister praised this wonderful hotel experience and what it offers to visitors and tourists, pointing out that this hotel in itself is considered a tourist destination within the Egyptian tourist destination, and it is a new trend for the private tourism sector, from During the implementation of an integrated tourist village within the city of Sharm El Sheikh to upgrade the family tourism product to a distinctive and higher level Premium Segment product that attracts many tourists with a special nature and high spending rates.
The Minister indicated the Ministry’s support and interest in this new trend within the framework of its role as a supervisor, organizer, and licenser of various activities within the industry, explaining that the family tourism product is one of the most important tourism products that the Ministry is currently focusing on, given that the Egyptian tourist destination enjoys a great competitive advantage in it.
He stressed that such hotel projects were achieved thanks to the efforts of the private sector and in light of the state’s significant development of infrastructure, which reflected positively on the tourism sector in Egypt.
He explained that the hotel investments made by the private tourism sector contribute to developing the hotel sector in Egypt and increasing the number of hotel rooms, which is one of the three main axes of the national tourism strategy in Egypt.
Mr. Nasser Abdel Latif also pointed out that tourism in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh is not just staying in hotel rooms, but that this city offers a different tourist experience, pointing out the importance of the participation of a group of the most important travel and tourism organizers and agents from different countries in the forum yesterday, as they bring 70% of The volume of incoming tourist traffic to Egypt, which will contribute to increasing the number of incoming tourists to Egypt and encourage business partners abroad from airline companies to launch direct flights to the city of Sharm El-Sheikh.
A number of tour operators from different countries who participated in the forum, leaders from the governorate, and a number of ambassadors from different countries participated in this tour. For their part, the attendees praised the beauty of this tourist resort and the enormous potential it offers, which makes it a strong addition to the tourist attractions in the city of Sharm El Sheikh. .
The organizing partners of the First African Tourism Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh announced that the forum will be held periodically annually, after the success achieved by the first edition of the forum, which witnessed the attendance of more than 2,000 officials from countries’ ambassadors, hotel operators, and tourism companies from Europe and Africa.
The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, the South Sinai Governorate, the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association, GMT Fuarcilik International Tourism Promotion Company, and the Rixos Egypt Hotels and Resorts Group.
The two-day forum achieved success in introducing international investors to investment opportunities in the tourism sector in Egypt and Africa, the investment incentives granted by the continent’s governments, and the plans of tourism ministries and agencies to attract investment, in addition to the competitive advantages of each country in terms of natural and historical attractions, available labor force, and an attractive and supportive environment for investment and tourism. .
The delegation of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones participating in the forum held a large number of promotional meetings with investors in the tourism sector. During the meetings, the success stories of many foreign and Arab companies operating in the Egyptian tourism sector were reviewed, and the advantages and incentives of investment in Egypt were presented, and investment and partnership opportunities with the public sectors. And private, and high profitability rates in the sector compared to competitive costs.
The General Authority for Investment’s pavilion at the forum witnessed a significant turnout from investors wishing to invest in the tourism sector in Egypt, especially the coastal areas, Cairo, and major national projects, such as the New Administrative Capital and the New City of El Alamein, whether through establishing new facilities or acquiring existing facilities, and exploiting the growing demand for Tourism in Egypt is a result of the advanced infrastructure, the extension of the tourist season to all seasons of the year, and Egypt’s location close to European and Arab tourists.
The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones will prepare promotional tours for investors wishing to invest in the Egyptian tourism sector to learn about investment opportunities on the ground, and to build stable and extended relationships with investors.
It is worth noting that this forum is the first professional tourism gathering of its kind in the continent of Africa and Egypt, and a large number of representatives of international tourism companies, international tour operators, management companies, major international airlines, experts, specialists and investors in the tourism industry participate in attending this forum.
The forum brings together leading brands, tourism professionals and investors in this sector, providing the opportunity to explore the tourism potential in Africa and Egypt and strengthening important links in this sector, and offers participants an experience full of innovative ideas through conferences, committees, meetings and special courses. Set to become the largest tourism exhibition in Egypt and Africa, this event will help the leading brands in the sector formulate their plans for the period 2024-2025.
