Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has unveiled ambitious plans to increase Egypt's aviation fleet by approximately 30% in response to growing tourist numbers. Chairing a meeting of the ministerial committee on tourism at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, Madbouly emphasized the necessity for expanding hotel capacity and upgrading facilities to keep pace with the sector's rapid development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouly is actively coordinating with the civil aviation minister on projects related to fleet expansion and infrastructure development. Plans are underway to offer several airports to leading international private sector operators for management and operation. The prime minister highlighted the importance of increasing hotel capacity, specifically in the North Coast, and praised the 'Red Sea Marassi' project as a key contribution to Egypt's tourism sector.
Madbouly also mentioned that lands suitable for hotel development along the Nile have been identified and will soon be available to private investors. This includes hotel components within the "Fustat Hills Gardens" project in Cairo. He urged the culture minister to ensure a steady schedule of cultural and artistic events, as tourists, particularly from Arab nations, often seek concerts and festivals as part of their travel experience.
Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno reported that over 55 film, theatre, and music festivals take place annually across Egypt. These events will be integrated into tourism promotion efforts, with the ministry collaborating with UNESCO to expand cultural offerings in African countries. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy elaborated on recent growth in tourist arrivals and hotel room capacity, noting ongoing work with the Urban Development Fund to highlight investment opportunities in historical sites and new projects.
Hossam Al Shaer, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, outlined initiatives to simplify licensing for tourism projects and committed to working with ministries to enhance entertainment options for visitors. Madbouly recognized tourism as the nation's fastest-growing sector and a vital source of foreign currency, placing it at the forefront of the government's economic priorities. He also called for the development of the coastal road connecting Quseir, Marsa Alam, and Berenice, with a detailed cost estimate and phased implementation plan.