File Photo: A general view of several holiday houses in front of a pool. Photo courtesy of Hurghada Hotels website
Under the new decision, a "holiday home" is defined as any unit — including a single room, suite, or villa — located within a standalone building or part of one, according to the ministry’s official statement.
The units must be situated within designated tourist zones or upscale residential communities, have basic amenities, and be available for use by both Egyptian and foreign guests.
Fathy said the move aims to enhance Egypt’s tourism sector, noting that the regulations would introduce a new form of accommodation and regularise the status of existing units.
He added that this decision forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to improve the quality of tourism services across Egypt’s destinations.
The minister also stressed that the main objective of these regulations is to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and comfort in the units, guaranteeing they are ready to host visitors.
The ministry has simplified the required procedures and conditions to streamline the licensing process. This will support the regularisation of units already operating in various tourist areas.
According to the statement, a unit must be licensed by meeting all documentation requirements, complying with the stipulated conditions, and paying the necessary fees.
Additionally, owners and operators must notify the ministry via an online form on its website and complete all steps required to obtain a tourism compliance certificate.
In December 2024, Fathy announced plans to regulate the use of Airbnb, the global home-renting platform, which has gained popularity among tourists booking accommodations worldwide.
Tourism is one of Egypt’s key sources of foreign currency.
The Egyptian government has developed a national tourism strategy to boost the sector to attract 30 million visitors by 2028.
In July 2024, the state allocated EGP 50 billion to support the tourism sector by constructing and operating new hotel rooms.
To reach this target, approximately 250,000 new hotel rooms — added to the existing 220,000+ as of February 2024 — are needed.
In 2024, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists and generated $14.1 billion in total revenue, exceeding the previous record of 14.9 million visitors set in 2023.
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