Fathy: Spain is a key target market and a major source of tourists to Egypt
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy today opened Egypt’s pavilion at the 46th FITUR international tourism fair, which began today in Madrid, Spain, and runs until January 25.
The opening was attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Spain Ehab Badawy and Egyptian Tourism Authority CEO Dr Ahmed Youssef, alongside Suzanne Mostafa, head of the authority’s Central Department for Tourism Marketing; Mohamed Mohsen, director of its Iberia and Americas unit; Ahmed Nabil, assistant to the minister for aviation and follow-up; and counsellor Amr El-Meligy of the Egyptian Embassy in Spain.
The Egyptian Tourism Authority participates annually in FITUR, the world’s third-largest international tourism trade fair and the largest for Spanish-speaking countries. Numerous Latin American, European, Arab and African countries take part.
Fathy stressed Spain’s importance as a key target market and source of visitors to Egypt. In 2025, Egypt welcomed a record approximately 242,000 Spanish tourists, an increase of 67% over 2024.
After the opening, the minister toured the pavilion and met Egyptian exhibitors, who expressed their satisfaction with the unprecedented growth in arrivals from various tourism markets in 2025.
Fathy discussed the latest developments in Egypt’s tourism sector and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation with the private sector.
He listened to exhibitors’ views and proposals for attracting more visitors and expanding promotion of Egypt’s diverse tourism products and experiences, strengthening its global competitiveness and positioning it as the world’s most diverse destination.
On the first day, the Egyptian pavilion attracted industry professionals seeking meetings with Egyptian tourism companies and hotel representatives, as well as visitors interested in its distinctive design, interactive activities and films showcasing Egypt’s varied attractions. FITUR brings together more than 156 countries and over 9,000 exhibiting companies, and attracts around 255,000 visitors.
During his visit, Fathy is scheduled to hold extensive official and professional meetings with Spanish counterparts, leading tour operators and airlines serving the Spanish market. Discussions will address their needs and proposals for closer cooperation and increased business in Egypt. He will also meet Spanish and international media to highlight the sector’s latest developments, Egypt’s diversity and its unique attractions, helping boost arrivals from Spain.
Egypt’s pavilion at FITUR 2026
Egypt is participating this year with a 437-square-metre pavilion, plus an 80-square-metre upper deck. It hosts 50 private-sector exhibitors: 25 tourism companies and 25 hotels, including the stands of the Egyptian Hotel Association and the Egyptian Travel Agents Association.
The pavilion’s main two-storey building includes meeting rooms for VIP guests and a dedicated area serving drinks and light refreshments.
A museum of replicas of Tutankhamun’s treasures has also been created within the pavilion, recreating parts of the king’s galleries at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Covering 418 square metres in two sections, it displays 54 replicas of major objects belonging to the young king, the museum’s icon. Produced by Konouz Egypt for Archaeological Replicas, they include his throne, golden coffin, ka statue, distinctive jewellery, golden mask, ceremonial chair and other golden objects displayed at the museum.
Digital screens show promotional films highlighting Egypt’s diverse tourism products and experiences under the slogan “Unmatched Diversity”. They give visitors a closer look at the country’s richness and variety, supporting the ministry’s strategy to showcase the diversity that can position Egypt as the world’s leading tourism destination.
The authority is also staging promotional activities for pavilion visitors, including tourism competitions and live harp performances throughout the fair.
