Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy today received Dr Sergio Román Carranza, the newly appointed Spanish ambassador to Egypt, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism and antiquities.
The meeting examined opportunities for closer cooperation and tourism investment in Egypt, particularly in hotels, to increase room capacity and support the state’s plans to accommodate expected growth in tourist arrivals.
The Spanish ambassador praised Egypt’s record inbound tourism results in 2025 and its efforts to develop the sector and strengthen its position on the global tourism map.
Both sides affirmed the strength of Egyptian–Spanish relations, which have developed significantly in recent years to the level of a strategic partnership. They discussed building on the outcomes of reciprocal visits by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the King of Spain and their positive impact at official and public levels.
They reviewed preparations for Egypt’s participation in FITUR 2026 in Madrid, scheduled to begin next Wednesday, where the minister will open the Egyptian pavilion. Discussions covered activities and events designed to promote Egypt’s unmatched diversity and unique attractions, including a ministry campaign launched to coincide with the fair. Images and videos showcasing Egypt are currently displayed across Madrid’s streets and squares.
In antiquities, the meeting explored cooperation in excavation, restoration, expertise-sharing and training. Sixteen Spanish archaeological missions are currently working at sites across Egypt, reflecting the depth of scientific partnership between the two countries.
The meeting was also attended by Dr Magdalena Cruz, counsellor for cultural and scientific affairs at the Spanish Embassy in Cairo, and Rana Gohar, adviser to the tourism minister for communications and external relations and general supervisor of the ministry’s General Department for International Relations and Agreements.
