Sherif Fathy: optimistic about the future of tourism in Egypt, with 26% growth from the US market in 2025 compared with 2024
US companies: American tourists are interested in diverse cultural, sports, arts and food tourism experiences and programs combining the Red Sea and the Pyramids
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy began his current visit to New York in the United States by holding a series of meetings with a number of tour operators in the US market at the Egyptian Consulate in New York, to discuss strengthening cooperation and attracting more inbound tourism to the Egyptian destination.
The visit is part of the ministry's keenness to review the latest developments in Egypt's tourism situation and discuss mechanisms for boosting inbound tourism, especially in light of current regional circumstances, while stressing the safety and stability the Egyptian destination enjoys.
During these meetings, Fathy expressed his optimism about the future of the tourism sector in Egypt, noting the remarkable growth in inbound tourism from various markets, especially the US market, which rose by 26% in 2025 compared with 2024.
He also noted that Egypt's hosting of major international events, including the high-level event of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) held aboard a ship during a voyage through the Suez Canal, reflects Egypt's distinguished position on the global tourism map and international confidence in its safety and stability.
He also pointed to the participation of a number of prominent international figures in this event, including Nick Adams, the US President's Special Envoy for Tourism and Values, who went on a tour that included the Religions Complex in Old Cairo, the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and shared his experience with millions of followers on his social media platforms.
The minister also spoke about the unique diversity of tourism products and types the Egyptian destination enjoys, explaining that the ministry is working to combine these types to offer integrated and innovative tourism experiences that go beyond the traditional ones.
He stressed that visiting Egypt gives tourists an integrated experience that combines cultural and civilizational diversity and an authentic tourism experience, along with enjoying traditional cuisine, as shown by the results of visitor satisfaction studies.
He also reviewed the ministry's efforts to promote a number of new and promising tourist destinations, including New Alamein City and the North Coast, noting that there are integrated tourism programs starting from Sphinx International Airport, passing through the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then Alexandria, and ending on the North Coast, which are seeing growing demand from various nationalities.
He highlighted the participation of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority in the annual international conference "Explore", organized by the global booking platform Expedia in Las Vegas, with the participation of a select group of global tourism industry leaders.
During the meetings, the tourism minister reviewed efforts to boost tourism by developing the aviation incentive program and intensifying promotional campaigns, as well as launching the international campaign "Egypt Vibes", which aims to showcase the tourism experience in Egypt and highlight the stability of the destination.
He pointed to the extension of the summer tourist season in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, with incentives offered to airlines to operate flights to Luxor and Aswan during the summer, helping to boost tourism in these cities.
He also explained that, despite a relative slowdown in some bookings as a result of the regional situation, measures have been taken to limit cancellations in coordination with the relevant authorities, while stressing the importance of accurate travel advisories issued by different countries that reflect the stable security situation in Egypt.
For their part, the tour operators stressed that Egypt is a safe tourist destination and is seeing growing demand from American tourists, with forward bookings continuing into 2027, which will see unprecedented demand for the Egyptian destination. They noted that American tourists are interested in diverse experiences, including cultural, sports, arts and food tourism, as well as programs combining the Red Sea and the Giza Pyramids.
The meetings discussed ways to strengthen the promotion of the Egyptian destination in the US market, as well as the possibility of implementing joint tourism programs combining Egypt with other countries. It was also noted that EgyptAir operates regular flights to five US cities, with a new route to Los Angeles starting next Saturday, supporting increased tourist traffic from the US market.
