Egypt’s North Coast, particularly with the development of New Alamein City, is poised to become a significant player in the global sustainable tourism landscape. This transformation is being driven by a strategic approach from the Egyptian government, focused on attracting investment, building infrastructure, and diversifying tourism offerings.
Mohamed Kaoud, the former head of the Tourism and Aviation Committee at the Egyptian Junior Business Association, highlighted the strategic location of New Alamein City, situated in one of Egypt’s premier coastal regions. He noted that the city’s accessibility through three major airports – Alamein, Borg El Arab, and Marsa Matrouh – has sparked substantial interest from both domestic and international stakeholders.
The state has prioritized the development of robust infrastructure in New Alamein City, laying the foundation for its future growth. This approach emphasizes sustainability and resilience, aiming to position the city as a leader in responsible tourism. To achieve this vision, the government is actively attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening governance, and implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
Beyond traditional beach and entertainment offerings, which currently account for 85% of the region’s tourism, the state is actively engaging the private sector to diversify tourism activities. This initiative aims to create a more dynamic and appealing destination for a wider range of travelers. The establishment of Ras El Hekma City, catalyzed by New Alamein, has already attracted significant capital and investment from regional countries, further enhancing the North Coast’s appeal.
The North Coast has already witnessed a surge in tourism, exceeding initial targets with 10 million trips this year, driven by initiatives like the El Alamein Festival. This festival attracts tourists through entertainment events and conferences, such as the 2024 Air Show scheduled for early September.
Accommodation options are also expanding to meet the growing demand. While the current number of hotel rooms on the coast remains relatively low, not exceeding 6,000, the private sector is poised to double this capacity within the next two to three years.
Recognizing the potential of yacht tourism, the government is collaborating with the private sector to develop 4 to 5 yacht marinas, attracting larger vessels and a more affluent segment of tourists. This initiative is expected to further boost the region’s economic growth.
The development of New Alamein City and the North Coast as a whole has significant global implications for travelers. Egypt’s commitment to sustainable tourism, coupled with enhanced infrastructure, diverse tourism offerings, and a strategic location, is attracting a growing number of international visitors. The expansion of hotel capacity and the development of yacht tourism provide travelers with more options and experiences, making the North Coast a more appealing destination for both leisure and business travel.
As the region continues to develop, the North Coast is poised to become a key player in the global travel industry, offering a unique blend of sustainability, luxury, and cultural richness. This transformation will not only benefit the local economy but also provide travelers with a new, exciting destination that aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism.
