Breaking Travel News

WTM 2018: Egypt showcases renewed offering to UK travel trade

Egypt minister of tourism, Rania Al-Mashat, is in London to highlight the country’s revitalised tourism offer to UK audiences at the World Travel Market.

With tourism firmly placed as one of Egypt’s fastest growing sectors and contributing 15 per cent to the country’s economy, the government is investing heavily to ensure the country remains one of the top destinations for UK tourists.

This year, more than 300,000 UK tourists visited Egypt between January and September; which is 38 per cent higher than the same period in 2017.

This robust growth in Egypt’s tourism is part of a larger trend with over eight million tourists visiting the country last year and a 40 per cent increase reported since the end of 2017.

Al-Mashat, who is spearheading Egypt’s Tourism Reform Program, will showcase the country’s innovative and compelling tourism offer during World Travel Market.

ADVERTISEMENT

She said: “Using cutting-edge technology to provide a fully immersive experience, Egypt’s pavilion at World Travel Market will provide visitors a glimpse of what the country has to offer to suit all tastes and budgets.

“Visitors will be able to experience the diversity of destinations through virtual reality technology, including the fabulous Red Sea and the Sinai Trail.

“The exhibition stand will also include a maquette of Egypt’s largest archaeological project the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open in 2020.

“Visitors will be able to come face-to-face with hologram images of King Tut Ankh Amoun and a wire frame statue of King Ramses that comes to life through Augmented Reality technology.

The minister will meet a series of senior leaders from major UK tour operators while in London, leading multi-national travel agencies and conduct a range of interviews with international media to publicise Egypt’s attractions.

Al-Mashat added: “The sheer diversity of our tourism offer firmly places Egypt as one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world.

“A key part of our success is the hospitality of our people and our enthusiasm to welcome visitors from all around the world.

“Tourism is a major pillar of the Egyptian economy and recent structural reforms have bolstered the sector and put it on the path towards a sustainable and resilient future.”

Minister Al-Mashat believes the recent impressive success of the sector provides a glimpse into the long-term potential of tourism in Egypt and is a testament to the government’s commitment to the resilient growth of the country’s tourism industry.