Egypt aims to attract 30M tourists by 2031 through new investment strategy focused on tourism, antiquities

EGYPT – The Egyptian Government has set an ambitious target to welcome 30 million tourists annually by 2031, as part of a comprehensive government strategy to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) in its tourism and antiquities sectors.

This goal was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on June 10, 2025, at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

At the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the government’s commitment to formulating clear plans with specific targets to showcase investment opportunities across various sectors, with tourism identified as a key priority due to its significant economic potential.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by the ministries of tourism and investment to closely monitor and support the sector’s development.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy explained that a dedicated unit is being established to oversee investment opportunities, aiming to create an “investment opportunities bank” that will present available projects to attract private and foreign investors.

He noted that achieving the tourist arrival target is closely linked to expanding Egypt’s hotel capacity.

In 2024, Egypt added 7,200 new hotel rooms, with 55% being newly built capacity, and an estimated 19,000 additional rooms are expected in 2025 through new projects, expansions, and government initiatives.

The investment plan also includes enhancing tourist restaurants, cafés, and the preservation and restoration of antiquities.

Over the past five years, the Supreme Council of Antiquities has averaged 36 projects annually, reflecting sustained efforts to protect Egypt’s rich heritage.

The minister reviewed a detailed investment roadmap for 2025–2031, covering hotels, restaurants, safari camps, amusement parks, and the rehabilitation and operation of archaeological sites and museums through public-private partnerships across Egypt’s governorates.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib described tourism and antiquities as vital sectors for investment under Egypt’s unified national investment strategy.

He indicated that opportunities in these sectors will be featured on the national investment map, complete with all necessary data to facilitate investor decision-making.

The strategy involves sector diagnostics, priority setting, policy and legislative reforms, and the preparation of an executable investment roadmap with coordinated implementation and progress reporting.

This strategic approach aims to position Egypt as a leading global tourism destination while driving sustainable economic growth through increased FDI and enhanced infrastructure in hospitality and cultural preservation.

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