Cairo: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Sunday February 8, 2026, praised the strength of Egyptian-Turkish relations, noting the recent successful visit of the Turkish president to Egypt.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Fathy announced that Egypt welcomed 19 million tourists in 2025, marking a 20% increase over the previous year. The minister is targeting a further 10% growth in 2026. He highlighted a significant 43% rise in arrivals from Turkey last year and forecasted a 20-25% 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 pointed out the growth in cultural tourism, with a 30% rise in ticket sales for archaeological sites and museums. This growth was particularly noticeable after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which hosts around 15,000 visitors daily.

Fathy 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 the year-round demand for luxury tourism and Nile cruises.

On the topic of investment, Fathy mentioned the growing Turkish participation in Egypt's tourism sector, with incentives for hotel development, particularly in the North Coast and New Alamein City. These areas welcomed tourists from over 106 nationalities last summer, with charter flights increasing by 500%.