Cairo:Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy has revealed plans for Egypt to welcome 20 million tourists by 2026. He made these comments during the opening session of the Al-Ahram Forum for Egyptian Tourism at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Fathy highlighted the unique features of Egypt's tourism, emphasizing its authenticity and ability to cater to luxury tourism, alongside a diverse range of tourist attractions. The minister credited the use of artificial intelligence in effectively targeting and selecting potential tourist segments.

Fathy noted that contrary to some perceptions, tourism spending in Egypt is substantial, supported by the country's positive international image as an authentic destination. He outlined the ministry's action plan, which focuses on tourism investment to enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investments, as well as diversifying tourism products.

The minister also emphasized the importance of developing human resources through training programs, particularly in languages, and enhancing governance through improved monitoring tools. The plan also includes sustainability initiatives and digitalization efforts aimed at transforming the tourism sector.

Marketing and promotion were identified as critical areas, with strategies to effectively market Egypt's tourism offerings and target specific markets. Fathy expressed gratitude to the Al-Ahram Foundation for organizing the forum and addressing key issues to strengthen the tourism sector.