Cairo:Cairo has been selected as the 2026 Capital of Tourism by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting the city's rich historic, cultural, and civilizational heritage. Soha Bahgat, the Tourism and Antiquities Minister's adviser for training, announced this recognition, emphasizing the city's unique attributes.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Bahgat described Historic Cairo as an open-air museum with rare monuments and landmarks that document various successive civilizations. She stressed the importance of viewing heritage not just as archaeological sites to be preserved, but as significant contributors to tourism development, economic growth, and cultural identity.

Bahgat also pointed to the Historic Cairo project and its diverse tourist routes as crucial elements in showcasing the city's heritage and providing visitors with enriching cultural experiences. She noted that promoting Cairo on an international scale could attract more tourists, leveraging Egypt's wide array of cultural and historical attractions.