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The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Catalyst for Egyptian Tourism Growth

The second session of the Egyptian Center for Economic Studies' conference, held under the theme "Tourism Crises in the Face of Conflicts and Uncertainty," focused on the major challenges facing the tourism sector both domestically and globally, particularly in the context of political tensions and escalating military conflicts in the region.

The session, moderated by Dr. Ahmed Farouk Ghaneem, Executive Director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, brought together leading experts: Dr. Tariq Sayed Tawfik, former General Supervisor of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Hugh Taki, a UK-based tourism expert (via Zoom).

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Challenges

The conference, titled "Cairo Forum," is the center's first annual event. It is a unique international platform that aims to discuss various global issues and challenges with the participation of experts from diverse fields. The event is scheduled to take place over two days, Wednesday and Thursday, October 16 and 17, and will host a diverse range of prominent officials and international experts from countries including Egypt, Argentina, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, the United States, and others.

The experts highlighted a significant global demand for travel and tourism, particularly from the United States and South America. However, a decline in travel enthusiasm towards Europe, fueled by a search for new destinations, presents a substantial opportunity for Egypt to emerge as an alternative. Despite this potential, several internal challenges hinder Egypt's growth in this sector, including deteriorating airport quality, limited hotel room capacity, and a shortage of skilled labor, a consequence of the industry losing 35% of its skilled workforce due to emigration or a shift to other industries.

Strategies for Revitalization

The experts emphasized the need to cultivate a greater understanding of tourism's importance among citizens, establish renowned Egyptian chains, and capitalize on competitive pricing compared to other markets. However, Egypt also faces increased competition from emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, which is striving to dominate the tourism industry with its high-quality services.

The Grand Egyptian Museum's Impact

The conference participants acknowledged the significant impact of political tensions and regional conflicts on the tourism sector. However, they emphasized that Egypt remains a safe travel destination. They anticipate a surge in tourism following the anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is currently undergoing a trial opening.

The experts expressed a shared vision for a revitalized Egyptian tourism sector, fueled by the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and strategic efforts to address internal challenges. They stressed the importance of collaboration, investment, and innovation to capture the potential of this vital industry.