The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Minister Fathy said this during a meeting with editors-in-chief of Egypt’s leading national and private newspapers at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
During the meeting, Fathy highlighted that the upcoming official opening of the GEM will represent a global cultural milestone.
“This museum is not just a world-class display space; it is set to become an international hub for Egyptology research and studies,” Fathy said, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Tuesday.
The statement added that Fathy invited Egyptology scholars worldwide to pursue their research in the land where this science originated.
The GEM, adjacent to the Giza Pyramids, will host scholars and researchers from around the globe, further positioning Egypt as a leader in archaeological and cultural scholarship.
Moreover, Fathy underlined the media's essential role in educating citizens about preserving Egypt’s priceless heritage and archaeological treasures, a source of national pride for future generations.
“The world will witness the magnitude of effort behind this national project, a symbol of Egypt’s commitment to preserving and honouring its heritage,” he expressed.
Fathy noted that the ministry’s tourism strategy, titled “Egypt, Unmatched Diversity,” integrates artificial intelligence into its tourism marketing and relies on digital and social media platforms for outreach.
This strategy is based on maximizing tourism revenues for local communities, especially those residing near archaeological sites.
Additionally, the minister stressed that integrating local communities as active partners enhances their engagement, promotes responsible behaviour toward heritage sites, and boosts their economic well-being.
He also emphasized that the ministry is investing in human capital development by launching an e-learning platform to upskill staff and workers across the tourism sector.
The GEM spans an impressive 500,000 square metres, twice the area of the Louvre Museum and two and a half times the area of the British Museum.
The museum launched a soft opening in November 2023 and a trial run in October 2024, unfurling gardens and cafes, the hanging obelisk, the atrium, the grand staircase, and the main galleries, including 12 exhibition halls, to the public.
Challenges and opportunities
Minister Fathy said one of the ministry's top priorities is expanding hotel capacity, particularly as the country aims to double the number of hotel rooms by 2030.
He noted that the recent launch of a package of investment incentives and regulatory guidelines for holiday home units aims to meet growing demand while ensuring quality, safety, and comfort.
In July 2024, the state allocated EGP 50 billion to construct and operate new hotel rooms.
He added that the government is targeting the construction of 250,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate 30 million visitors, which it hopes to attract by 2028.
Minister Fathy outlined additional measures to stimulate tourism, including aviation subsidies, simplified visa procedures, and targeted investment in emerging tourism cities.
The minister also highlighted Egypt’s record-breaking performance in 2024, when it received 15.8 million tourists, a six percent increase compared to 2023 and over 21 percent growth from pre-pandemic levels.
This reflects the ongoing efforts to boost the global competitiveness of Egypt's tourism sector.
In the first quarter of 2025, the momentum continued with a 25 percent year-on-year rise in tourist arrivals, underscoring growing international confidence in Egypt as a tourist destination despite regional geopolitical challenges.
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