Cairo: Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy announced a significant 26% rise in inbound tourism to Egypt from January to May 2025, compared to the same period last year. This surge in tourist numbers has been complemented by a noticeable increase in tourism spending.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Fathy shared these remarks at the official inauguration of the Hyatt Centric Cairo West Hotel. This establishment is notable for being the first art-inspired hotel in Egypt and Africa, with a design centered on contemporary Egypt and its identity. The minister attended the event on behalf of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, emphasizing the government's support for such investments that bolster Egypt's tourism infrastructure and generate employment opportunities.
Fathy highlighted the government's commitment to training tourism workers, particularly in enhancing their soft skills. Plans are underway to launch an electronic training platform, the "Learning Management System," in collaboration with the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers. This initiative aims to train both ministry employees and private sector workers to meet the industry's demands.
The minister further outlined an ambitious goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually. Achieving this target will require substantial efforts to expand essential infrastructure, including hotels, airports, and airline seats. He lauded the successful collaboration between local and international sectors, pointing to a strategic memorandum of understanding signed between ADD Developments and the international Hyatt Hotels group. This agreement, witnessed by the prime minister, is set to pave the way for more high-standard hotels in Egypt.
Fathy also noted the critical need to double the number of hotel rooms in Egypt over the next five years to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. Although this presents a significant challenge, it is deemed necessary given the positive trends in the tourism sector.
Bassel Sami, Chairman of ADD Developments, expressed gratitude to the prime minister and the tourism minister for their backing of the hotel project, which he views as a strategic move in an ambitious expansion plan to boost hotel capacity in Egypt.
Javier Group President for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at Hyatt, described the new hotel as a significant milestone for the Hyatt Group. He emphasized the strategic choice of the hotel's location in West Cairo, highlighting its proximity to attractions such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids, and revealed plans for similar future projects. The hotel's opening coincided with the launch of the new residential project, Hyatt Centric Cairo West Residences.