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RIYADH: Egypt’s tourism sector is gearing up for a strong year ahead, with the Egyptian Tourism Authority forecasting a 20 percent increase in international arrivals in 2026, driven by greater regional stability and a packed calendar of entertainment and sporting events, according to a senior official.

Speaking to Asharq News on the sidelines of the TOURISE 2025 forum in Riyadh, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said the country’s latest promotional strategy focuses on markets with high population density and strong spending potential — particularly China and India.

“Our priority is attracting large markets with high spending power such as China, India, and Latin America,” Youssef said.

He said that Egyptian tourism authorities are tailoring marketing content in local languages of potential tourists, and even working with influencers of the same nationalities to ensure authenticity and cultural resonance. Most importantly, we’re strengthening our ties with the aviation sector, as air connectivity remains a critical enabler for growth, he said.

The new strategy aligns with Egypt’s national tourism goals — to attract 30 million visitors by 2030–31 and raise tourism revenues to around $30 billion by 2028.

Youssef also revealed that 2024 marked a milestone year for the sector, with Egypt welcoming roughly 16 million visitors — the highest figure in the country’s history.

On regional collaboration, Youssef emphasized the importance of tourism cooperation between Egypt and ��������. He noted that such partnerships could help shift perceptions of �������� as a destination beyond religious tourism, opening it up as a growing entertainment and cultural hub for Egyptian travelers.

“The flight time between the two countries is under three hours, which makes �������� an increasingly attractive destination for Egyptians,” he added.

Meanwhile, Egypt continues to strengthen economic ties with China, with more than 2,800 Chinese companies now operating in the country and investing over $8 billion across multiple sectors, according to Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt’s minister of investment and foreign trade.

Speaking at the Egyptian-Chinese Business Forum, El-Khatib highlighted that Chinese firms were among the earliest partners in Egypt’s major development projects — including the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein City, and the high-speed electric train — underscoring China’s strategic role in Egypt’s modernization efforts.

He added that Egypt aims to further attract Chinese investment and expand joint production ventures targeting export markets, reinforcing the country’s position as a gateway for industrial cooperation between Asia, Africa, and Europe.