Egypt will enhance its partnership with China in the tourism sector and expects an increase in Chinese tourists visiting the country, said Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy in Beijing on Thursday.
During his official visit to China, Fathy attended the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM), an event held from Oct 16 to 18 in Beijing and focusing on China's outbound tourism.
The tourism departments of China and Egypt, both boasting rich histories and abundant historical attractions, have recently agreed to set up a working group to foster the personnel and cultural exchanges.
Fathy mentioned that Egypt expects to receive 300,000 Chinese tourists in 2024. He also said that Egypt hopes for more investment from Chinese companies in its tourism infrastructure and is willing to learn from China's hotel management mode.
"I hope, in the field of tourism and antiquities, to see hotel management companies from China working in Egypt, and also investments in the tourism infrastructure by Chinese business people and companies in Egypt," said the minister.
During his visit to China, Fathy highlighted one of Egypt's iconic tourism endeavors, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which just began trial operations of its main galleries a few days ago. The museum, housing over 100,000 ancient artifacts, is expected to draw more visitors from around the world.
"I would like to see more tourists, of course, from China in Egypt—not only to the pyramids, [but] the south where Luxor and Aswan are known to the other touristic attractions in Egypt. They (Chinese visitors) will always be welcomed," Fathy said.
Egypt expects to see rising number of Chinese tourists: minister
Egypt expects to see rising number of Chinese tourists: minister
