• Miscellaneous

Egypt Strengthens Ties with Global Operators at ITB Berlin 2025 Egypt Strengthens Ties with Global Operators at ITB Berlin 2025

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, capitalized on the global tourism spotlight at ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4 to 6, by holding a series of strategic meetings with top executives from leading German and international tour operators, travel agencies, and airlines. The discussions aimed to boost inbound tourism to Egypt and highlight the country’s growing appeal as a world-class destination.

Among the key players engaged were industry heavyweights such as TUI Group, DER Touristik, Schauinsland Reisen, ITAKA, and Edelweiss Air. The meetings focused on expanding collaboration opportunities, marketing Egypt’s diverse tourism offerings, and attracting investment to support the country’s ambitious tourism growth targets.

Showcasing Egypt’s Expanding Tourism Potential

Minister Fathy underscored Egypt’s recent efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and diversify its offerings to appeal to a wider range of travelers. Discussions placed particular emphasis on promoting Egypt’s North Coast as a premium destination, with its pristine beaches and luxury developments drawing increasing interest from high-end travelers. The North Coast’s potential was further bolstered by TUI Group’s announcement of plans to expand its hotel investments in the region, a move that reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s ability to attract affluent tourists.

To further encourage collaboration, the minister announced the launch of familiarization trips for travel professionals, allowing industry leaders to experience Egypt’s tourism potential firsthand. This initiative is complemented by an expanded promotional campaign, including innovative strategies such as advertising on boarding passes in Poland to attract more Polish visitors—a market that has shown significant growth potential.

Key Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades

Fathy highlighted a number of transformative projects and infrastructure developments that are set to enhance Egypt’s tourism landscape. Among the standout initiatives is the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on July 3. Positioned as a cultural centerpiece, the GEM is expected to attract millions of visitors with its unparalleled collection of ancient treasures.

Other major projects include the development of the Holy Family Trail, which traces the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt, and the “Great Transfiguration” Project in St. Catherine’s, which aims to boost religious and cultural tourism. These initiatives align with Egypt’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional sun-and-sea vacations, showcasing its rich historical and spiritual heritage.

On the infrastructure front, recent upgrades include the construction of new airports, roads, and transport links, which are designed to improve accessibility and enhance visitor experiences. These developments are part of a broader effort to position Egypt as a premier global destination capable of accommodating increasing visitor numbers.

Industry Optimism and Projections

The meetings at ITB Berlin highlighted the strong momentum behind Egypt’s tourism recovery, with industry leaders expressing optimism about the country’s growth prospects:

  • TUI Group: Reported a notable increase in visitor numbers and reiterated its commitment to expanding its investment footprint in Egypt, particularly along the North Coast.
  • ITAKA: Anticipates a 50% growth in Polish tourists visiting Egypt, supported by targeted promotional efforts and direct engagement with Polish travelers.
  • Edelweiss Air: Projects a 20% increase in flights to Egypt this year, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility for European travelers.

These projections speak to the growing confidence among international travel stakeholders in Egypt’s ability to deliver world-class experiences across its diverse range of attractions.

Collaboration with Key Officials

The high-level meetings were attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Germany, Mohamed El-Badri, alongside Amr El-Kady, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, and other key tourism officials. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with global tourism players and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a leading destination.

Opportunities for African Travel Professionals

Egypt’s proactive efforts to expand its tourism markets at ITB Berlin provide valuable opportunities for African travel agents and tour operators. With new infrastructure developments, diversified attractions, and tailored promotional campaigns, travel professionals can create customized packages that cater to a wide range of traveler interests, from cultural enthusiasts to high-end beachgoers.

The North Coast, in particular, presents an exciting opportunity to target luxury travelers seeking exclusive experiences. Similarly, iconic projects like the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Holy Family Trail offer rich content for cultural and religious tourism itineraries. Travel agents can leverage Egypt’s enhanced connectivity and growing international presence to attract travelers from across Africa and beyond.