BEBA organized a breakfast briefing in conversation with H.E Ahmed Issa, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, on October 23, 2023, titled “Investing in Tourism: Opportunities and Incentives.” The Minister started by giving a power point presentation followed by a Q&A session that was moderated by Khaled Nosseir, BEBA Chairman, Among the attendees were Gareth Bayley, the UK Ambassador to Egypt, and Dominic Goh, the Ambassador of Singapore to Egypt. Additionally, Mr. Asheesh Gupta, Indian Deputy Chief of mission to Egypt, Counselor Mehmet Bahaadir Lleri, the deputy of the Turkish Ambassador, Mr.Onoufrios Oikonomidis, Cypriot deputy head of mission, Maestro Nadeer Abassi, Dr. Ahmed Ghanim, the CEO of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the new British business and trade director in Egypt, Charlie Garnett were among the attendees.

In his Excellency’s presentation, he highlighted the extension of the current aviation incentive program until April next year, along with certain modifications and additional packages for selected tourist destinations over a four-month period. Originally, this program was set to conclude at the end of the current month.

He also spoke about the achievements and ongoing work related to Egypt’s National Tourism Development Strategy, emphasizing the importance of the tourism industry for the national economy, especially its role in job creation, particularly in conjunction with a robust private sector that drives the industry. The minister also touched on the ministry’s plans for continued collaboration and communication with industry partners, both at the local and international levels, including international tour operators and local and international airlines.

Furthermore, he discussed the ministry’s promotional plans for the upcoming period, highlighting the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion’s increased budget allocation for joint campaigns with industry partners. The minister pointed out that promotional films have been shared on various social media platforms and sent to tour organizers and airline companies, contributing to the promotion of Egyptian tourist destinations in target markets.

H.E Ahmed Issa emphasized that the Egyptian tourism product, which combines beach and cultural tourism, is one of the most important tourism products, offering Egypt a significant competitive advantage. He also discussed the role of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities as a regulator and licensor within the industry and as a policymaker, highlighting the significance of the five tourism chambers and the Egyptian Union of Tourism Chambers as civil institutions representing the private tourism sector. The minister also mentioned the substantial role played by the Supreme Council of Antiquities in the restoration and maintenance of historical sites and museums in Egypt, as well as the efforts in the digital transformation, especially regarding electronic ticketing.

 Lastly, H.E Ahmed Issa presented key pillars of the strategy, aimed at improving the supply side of the Egyptian tourist destination. These include increasing access to the Egyptian tourist destination, doubling the number of incoming airline seats to Egypt in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, improving the investment climate in tourism in Egypt, increasing the number of hotel rooms in the coming period, and enhancing the visitor experience by improving the quality of services at various tourist destinations. Finally, he mentioned that tourism investment incentives would be announced in the near future.