Fathy: 35,000–40,000 new hotel rooms expected in 2027 to support tourism growth
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, held a series of interviews with leading British and international newspapers, magazines, news agencies and television networks, including CNN International, Asharq Bloomberg, Travel Daily, TTG and ITTN, during his participation in World Travel Market (WTM London 2026), currently taking place in the British capital.
During the interviews, Fathy highlighted Egypt’s exceptional and unparalleled diversity of tourism products, experiences and destinations, allowing visitors to combine several types of tourism within a single trip.
He also highlighted promising new destinations, including New Alamein and the North Coast, as well as Matrouh Governorate’s diverse natural, tourism and cultural assets, which enhance these areas’ appeal and broaden Egypt’s tourism offering.
The minister outlined measures to maintain growth in arrivals from different source markets, particularly amid current regional conditions. These include continued coordination with tour operators and airlines to reaffirm Egypt’s security, stability and distance from areas affected by events, alongside initiatives and incentive programmes supporting continued flights to Egyptian destinations and sustaining inbound tourism.
On tourism targets, Fathy said Egypt aims to welcome 22 million tourists in 2027, a 10% increase over this year’s target of approximately 20 million. He noted that achieving these objectives depends on regional and global variables that may affect international tourism.
He pointed to growth in arrivals from various markets since the beginning of this year, particularly the British market, which has increased by around 10% compared with the same period last year. Egypt aims for a further 10%–15% increase in British visitors in 2027, reflecting the market’s importance and its promising growth opportunities.
The minister said the Egyptian Tourism Authority is keeping pace with rapid changes in tourism marketing by modernising promotional tools and expanding its use of artificial intelligence applications and social media. This will help it reach different visitor segments more effectively and showcase Egypt’s diverse experiences, particularly in key markets.
Regarding tourism investment, Fathy stressed that expanding hotel capacity is a major national priority to accommodate expected visitor growth and support the target of 30 million tourists by 2030. Between 35,000 and 40,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be added in 2027.
He outlined efforts to encourage hotel investment, including the state’s EGP 50 billion financing initiative. Its duration will be extended to allow more investors to benefit, supporting the construction and development of hotels and increasing Egypt’s accommodation capacity.
He added that agreements have been signed with between four and five major international hotel brands as part of Egypt’s efforts to strengthen its position in luxury tourism and expand high-quality products and services for higher-spending visitors.
The minister also discussed the Grand Egyptian Museum and its growing popularity since its official opening in November last year. It has welcomed around 5.2 million visitors to date, reflecting strong interest in one of the world’s leading cultural and archaeological attractions.
He explained that the Grand Egyptian Museum, together with the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara and Historic Cairo, forms a complete destination in its own right. Their archaeological sites, museums and unique cultural heritage enrich the visitor experience and encourage longer stays and more tourism nights in Cairo.
Asked which Egyptian destinations he recommends for 2027, and where visitors can enjoy the experiences presented on the Egyptian pavilion’s screens, the minister highlighted the North Coast, with its modern destinations, distinctive beaches, hotels and resorts, and its proximity to Alexandria’s historical, cultural and archaeological attractions.
He also highlighted Siwa Oasis as a unique destination combining striking desert scenery, distinctive cultural heritage and locally rooted experiences, including adventure, wellness and relaxation. The White Desert and Black Desert likewise offer exceptional experiences for nature, camping and adventure enthusiasts.
Fathy stressed that Egypt’s defining strength is the opportunity to combine different experiences in a single trip, including cultural, beach, leisure, environmental and adventure tourism. This embodies Egypt’s promotional message of “Unparalleled Diversity” and strengthens its ability to attract new visitor segments, encourage repeat visits and inspire travellers to explore more Egyptian destinations.
