After a period of diplomatic estrangement, Turkey and Egypt have witnessed a significant rapprochement in recent years. This has been highlighted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo earlier in 2023, culminating in the signing of a joint declaration to enhance bilateral cooperation. This renewed understanding has had a tangible impact on the tourism sector, leading to a notable increase in the number of Turkish tourists visiting Egypt.
Visa facilitation has been a key factor in this resurgence. Turkish citizens can now obtain visas upon arrival, making travel more convenient and accessible. Additionally, Egypt has undertaken several infrastructure projects to improve accessibility and enhance the overall tourist experience. These include the development of roads, highways, airports, and hotels.
Furthermore, Egypt has introduced incentives for hotel construction to encourage investment in the sector. By providing financial support for interest rate payments, the government aims to stimulate hotel development and cater to the growing demand. Egypt has also implemented aviation incentive programs to reduce flight costs for airlines, making it more affordable for tourists to travel to the country.
Amr el-Kady, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, expressed optimism about the future of tourism in Egypt. He highlighted the completion of 70% of infrastructure projects, including the high-speed train network that will connect major cities. In addition, el-Kady emphasized the government’s focus on diversifying tourist destinations, including Sharm el-Sheikh, Gouna, and Luxor, to offer a wider range of experiences for visitors.
Despite regional challenges, such as the situation in Gaza, Egypt’s tourism industry has remained resilient. El-Kady acknowledged the impact of global events but noted that Egypt has not experienced a significant decline in tourist numbers. He attributed this to the country’s diverse tourism offerings and ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience.
