President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with World Travel & Tourism Council leaders in Cairo as Egypt prepares to host the WTTC Global Tourism Leaders’ Leadership Journey. The event, featuring 270 international tourism executives, highlights growing global confidence in Egypt’s tourism sector, stability, infrastructure development, and ambition to attract 30 million tourists annually.
CAIRO — President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt on Wednesday reaffirmed Egypt’s determination to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, as he received Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.
The high-level meeting brought together senior Egyptian officials and influential global tourism leaders in what observers describe as a significant signal of growing international confidence in Egypt’s tourism sector and investment climate.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Sherif Fathy; WTTC President and CEO Ms. Gloria Guevara; Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values Mr. Nick Adams; President of American Express Travel Ms. Audrey Hendley; Founder and CEO of Arsenale Group Mr. Paolo Barletta; and Chairman of Coral Travel Group Mr. Ayhan Bektaş.
According to Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, President El-Sisi welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between Egypt and the WTTC, one of the world’s foremost organizations representing the private travel and tourism industry.
World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism sector globally.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to support sustainable tourism growth, increase tourism investment, and further develop Egypt’s tourism infrastructure and hospitality capabilities.
A Landmark WTTC Event in Egypt
A major highlight of the meeting was the WTTC’s announcement that Egypt will host the prestigious “Global Tourism Leaders’ Leadership Journey,” one of the Council’s most prominent international gatherings.
WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio confirmed that approximately 270 top executives and representatives from leading global travel and tourism companies are expected to participate in the event.
Mr Lefebvre said:
Today, I had the honor of meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss our shared vision for the future of tourism in Egypt. Our conversation highlighted the immense potential of the Egyptian tourism sector and the importance of international cooperation in fostering sustainable growth.
During our discussion, we explored various strategies to enhance Egypt’s appeal as a prime travel destination, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts with global stakeholders.
I am inspired by President Sisi’s commitment to revitalizing tourism, recognizing it as a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future in the tourism industry, showcasing Egypt’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes to the world.
Thank you, President Sisi, for your hospitality and vision. I look forward to our continued partnership!
The journey will feature a luxury cruise passing through the Suez Canal and visiting several Egyptian cities and ports, offering participants a firsthand experience of Egypt’s tourism offerings, heritage, and maritime infrastructure.
Industry leaders view the event as more than a tourism conference. It is expected to serve as a powerful international endorsement of Egypt’s position as a stable and globally competitive destination.
Lefebvre d’Ovidio emphasizes that hosting the WTTC event in Egypt sends “a strong message” to the international tourism community.
He noted that the decision reflects growing global confidence in Egypt’s security, political stability, and extensive tourism assets — ranging from its ancient archaeological treasures and Red Sea resorts to cultural tourism, Nile cruises, eco-tourism, and luxury travel experiences.
He also praised the Egyptian government’s continued investment in upgrading tourism infrastructure, airports, transportation networks, and hospitality facilities, describing Egypt as “a preferred destination that everyone looks forward to visiting.”
Egypt Targets 30 Million Tourists Annually
President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s strategic objective of attracting 30 million tourists annually, a goal that would place the country among the world’s leading tourism markets.
In recent years, Egypt has accelerated efforts to modernize and diversify its tourism sector through large-scale infrastructure projects, digital transformation initiatives, hotel expansion, and restoration of archaeological sites.
The government has also intensified international promotional campaigns aimed at showcasing Egypt as a year-round destination offering cultural, historical, religious, beach, adventure, and luxury tourism experiences.
Among the flagship projects supporting this vision are the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, the revitalization of historic Cairo, the expansion of Red Sea tourism destinations, and enhanced transportation connectivity between archaeological and coastal sites.
Tourism remains one of Egypt’s most vital economic sectors, generating foreign currency revenues, supporting millions of jobs, and contributing significantly to national GDP.
The WTTC has repeatedly highlighted Egypt as one of the Middle East and North Africa region’s strongest tourism recovery stories following global disruptions in recent years.
Growing International Confidence
Members of the WTTC delegation expressed admiration for Egypt’s tourism development strategy and conveyed their interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt in tourism investment and infrastructure projects.
The delegation also commended Egypt’s efforts to maintain regional stability and security, emphasizing that safety remains a critical factor in global tourism growth and traveler confidence.
President El-Sisi underscored that preserving security and stability is an “imperative necessity,” noting that Egypt continues to prioritize stability as a foundation for economic development and tourism expansion.
During the meeting, Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values Mr. Nick Adams conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump to President El-Sisi and affirmed Washington’s interest in strengthening tourism exchange between Egypt and the United States.
The participation of major international travel industry executives, including representatives from American Express Travel and global tourism groups, was seen as an indication of Egypt’s increasing attractiveness to international investors and travel operators.
Egypt Ready to Host More Global Tourism Events
President El-Sisi stated that Egypt’s selection as host for the WTTC Leadership Journey reflects the international community’s trust in the country’s tourism potential and organizational capabilities.
He affirmed Egypt’s readiness to host additional WTTC events and major international tourism gatherings in the future, pledging full support to ensure their success.
Analysts say the WTTC event could significantly boost Egypt’s international tourism profile, generate new business partnerships, and reinforce the country’s image as one of the world’s most culturally rich and strategically important travel destinations.
With global tourism steadily recovering and international travel demand continuing to rise, Egypt appears determined to position itself at the center of the industry’s future growth.