Egypt has won the Gold Award at the 25th edition of the British magazine Wanderlust’s Reader Travel Awards in the category of “Most Desirable Destination for Cultural and Heritage Attractions,” securing first place ahead of several leading global tourism destinations, according to the magazine’s readers’ vote.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are among the prominent awards in the travel and tourism industry. They are based on votes from the magazine’s readers, who select their favorite destinations and travel experiences, reflecting travelers’ preferences and first-hand experiences.
The award was received by Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, during the awards ceremony held at the historic Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. The event was attended by around 500 senior figures and leaders from the global travel and tourism industry.
The ceremony featured a keynote speech by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and founder of the Travalyst initiative, who highlighted the importance of promoting responsible and sustainable travel and tourism practices, as well as the role of cooperation among stakeholders in supporting a more sustainable future for the sector.
Commenting on the achievement, Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, welcomed Egypt’s receipt of the award, saying it reflects the Egyptian destination’s distinguished tourism and archaeological standing on the global tourism map, as well as its unique cultural and heritage assets, which embody the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization and its legacy spanning thousands of years, alongside its exceptional museums and archaeological sites.
He noted that the award recognizes the efforts made by the Egyptian state to preserve its cultural heritage through the maintenance and conservation of museums and archaeological sites, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. These efforts also include upgrading the quality of services provided at these sites and enhancing the visitor experience.
Fathy added that these efforts form part of the ministry’s strategy to showcase the unparalleled diversity of Egypt’s tourism offerings and strengthen its position as an integrated destination offering a wide range of distinctive experiences to meet the interests of different traveler segments, thereby enhancing its competitiveness among global tourism destinations.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Youssef said Egypt’s win reflects its strong appeal among travelers interested in cultural and heritage tourism, as well as its ability to offer rich travel experiences that combine authenticity and diversity while keeping pace with evolving preferences among tourists seeking authentic experiences with cultural and historical value.
He added that the award represents an important addition to the series of international accolades received by Egypt’s tourism destination. It will also help strengthen the country’s presence in global tourism markets and support promotional efforts to attract more visitors interested in cultural and heritage tourism. Furthermore, it may encourage previous visitors to return and discover more of Egypt’s rich and diverse tourism offerings, which cater to a wide range of interests and expectations.
