Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Sunday February 8, 2026 praised strength of Egyptian-Turkish relations, noting the recent successful visit of the Turkish president to Egypt.
Fathy said Egypt welcomed 19 million tourists in 2025, a 20 percent increase over 2024, targeting a further 10 percent growth in 2026. He highlighted a 43 percent rise in arrivals from Turkey last year, with forecasts indicating a 20–25 percent increase in flight bookings from the Turkish market in 2026.
Speaking on the sidelines of EMITT, Istanbul’s international tourism exhibition, Fathy reviewed developments in Egypt’s tourism sector and prospects for bilateral investment and cooperation. He stressed the importance of partnering with airlines and tour operators to support sustainable air connectivity, noting that Egypt was the top destination for Turkish travelers in 2025.
The minister highlighted cultural tourism growth, with a 30 percent increase in ticket sales for archaeological sites and museums, particularly following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which hosts around 15,000 daily visitors.
He emphasized Egypt’s safety and positive image, reinforced by visitors’ experiences and diplomatic tours of historic areas such as Old Cairo. He also noted the use of digital marketing and AI in promotional campaigns and highlighted year-round demand for luxury tourism and Nile cruises.
On investment, Fathy pointed to growing Turkish participation in Egypt’s tourism sector, with incentives for hotel development, particularly in the North Coast and New Alamein City, which welcomed tourists from over 106 nationalities last summer, with charter flights up 500 percent.
