Egypt welcomed more than 7 million visitors – Tourism minister

More than 7 million tourists visited Egypt during the first half of the year, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said Monday.

Issa made the announcement during a meeting with the Standing Committee for Licensing of Hotel and Tourism Facilities. He indicated that the figures were achieved thanks to the efforts of the private sector and productive and effective cooperation for the concerned parties to achieve the objectives of the Egyptian  tourism industry, especially in the hotel sector.

The State official also indicated that there is ongoing cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to increase the number of air seats from tourism-exporting countries to Egypt.

The North African country desires to welcome 15 million visitors during 2023. In April, Egypt received a record-breaking 1.35 million tourists. The country welcomed 11.7 million tourists in 2022, up from eight million in 2021, marking a 46.2 percent increase.

Tourism is one of the leading economic sectors of the North African country. The sector was hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. The Russian and Ukrainian markets are among the largest markets for tourism to Egypt.