Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said tourism indicators this year show strong performance, amid government estimates of continued growth in tourist arrivals to Egypt, supported by current momentum and the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during a meeting with the Tourism Development Advisory Committee (TDAC), Madbouli said the government is coordinating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to expand national air capacity, with EgyptAir set to add around 28 aircraft starting in January, alongside plans to facilitate greater participation by private airlines at Egyptian airports.

He noted that several airports are being open for management and operation by the private sector, while capacity expansions are underway to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and improve operational efficiency. The PM also added that the government is working to improve the overall tourist experience, including streamlined emergency and electronic visa procedures.

Madbouli stated that efforts are ongoing to increase hotel room capacity through private-sector investment, aided by incentives, streamlined licensing processes, and Cabinet approval to convert residential properties into hotels. He added that the government remains open to cooperation with the private sector in managing tourist destinations.

For his part, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy reviewed the steps taken to facilitate visa issuance and confirmed that the tourism sector has been included under investment law incentives. Meanwhile, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el Hefny outlined fleet expansion plans for EgyptAir and Air Cairo, as well as airport development projects, including capacity increases at Cairo International Airport and other key hubs.

Members of the advisory committee presented proposals aimed at boosting tourist arrivals, improving airport and destination management, and addressing operational challenges.