Photo: Embassy of Egypt in London
The event was held during Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy's visit to London, where he took part in the World Travel Market (WTM), one of the world’s largest annual tourism exhibitions.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Ashraf Sweilam, Egypt’s ambassador to the UK; Engineer Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority; Consul General Mohamed Abou El-Kheir; and Professor Rasha Hussein, cultural counsellor at the embassy.
During the meeting, Minister Fathy reviewed Egypt’s recent achievements in the tourism sector and outlined plans to attract more visitors by diversifying markets and improving the tourism experience.
He highlighted the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world's largest archaeological museum, and the new opportunities it offers to promote cultural tourism and position Egypt as a leading global destination.
Fathy also noted the coordinated celebrations organized by Egyptian embassies worldwide to mark the museum’s opening, describing them as a way to share Egypt’s heritage with international audiences.
From Washington to Canberra, Nairobi, Berlin, Paris, and Tokyo, Egyptian embassies have hosted receptions, exhibitions, and lectures showcasing the museum’s historical and architectural significance.
Speakers at the event praised the role of the Egyptian Expat Youth Network in encouraging young Egyptians abroad to promote their national culture, engage with their communities, and represent Egypt’s modern image overseas.
The discussion further explored practical ways to enhance youth participation in cultural and tourism initiatives, including volunteering opportunities, promoting heritage, and advocating for tourism.
Students raised questions about Egypt’s efforts to recover and protect antiquities abroad and the role of cultural diplomacy in highlighting Egypt’s civilization.
Participants discussed strategies to strengthen Egypt’s position as a leading and sustainable tourism hub, supported by new infrastructure, improved connectivity, and landmark projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and revitalized tourism cities along the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts.
In recent months, Egyptian embassies and cultural offices worldwide have intensified their outreach to diaspora communities and youth networks as part of a broader strategy led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These efforts aim to strengthen ties with Egyptians abroad, promote national heritage, and highlight Egypt’s cultural presence through the global celebration of the GEM opening.
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