Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy announced that Egypt’s tourism sector witnessed strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, with the number of tourists rising by 25% compared to the same period last year.

 His remarks came during a meeting with editors-in-chief and board chairs of Egypt’s national and private newspapers, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Fathy highlighted that Egypt closed 2024 with record-breaking results, welcoming 15.8 million tourists — a 6% increase from 2023 and a 21% growth over pre-pandemic levels.

He placed special emphasis on the upcoming official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, set for July 3, describing it as a globally significant event being prepared with the highest levels of professionalism and organization.

 More than just a monumental archaeological display, the museum is envisioned as an international hub for research and academic study in Egyptology, reinforcing Egypt’s scholarly status in the field.

The Minister expressed the ministry’s ambition for the museum to become a leading destination for Egyptology scholars from around the world, offering a home for continued research and study in the very birthplace of this ancient science.

Fathy also addressed current challenges in Egypt’s tourism sector, noting that one of the top priorities is expanding the country’s hotel capacity, particularly as Egypt aims to double the number of hotel rooms by 2030.

To support this, the government has launched a package of investment incentives and introduced new regulatory frameworks for holiday homes to meet rising demand while ensuring safety, quality, and guest comfort.

 Additional initiatives include aviation-related incentives and streamlined visa procedures to attract more tourists and encourage investment in tourism — especially in newly developed tourist cities.

He also touched on a comprehensive development plan for the area stretching from Sphinx International Airport to Saqqara and Dahshur, which includes enhancing the surroundings of the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum.