Sustainability At The Core Of Egypt's Strategy For Tourism Growth And Environmental Protection

Yomna Elbahar, Egypt's Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted sustainability as a key element in the ministry's strategy to boost international tourism. The goal is to increase tourist numbers without harming Egypt's natural resources or heritage sites. Speaking at the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, she outlined various initiatives aimed at environmental protection and sustainable tourism growth.

Elbahar discussed the ministry's collaboration with other ministries and entities to establish a "central bank for tourism investment opportunities." This digital platform will display available investment prospects in real-time, aiming to improve transparency and help investors find potential projects easily. Such measures are designed to attract both foreign and domestic investments, crucial for expanding the sector's capacity.

The ministry has mandated "green" certification for hotels and diving centres in South Sinai and the Red Sea governorates. These certifications ensure compliance with standards for water, energy, and waste management. Currently, over one-third of Egypt's hotels have achieved this certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices within the tourism industry.

Efforts are underway to transform Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada into eco-friendly tourist destinations. The ministry has adopted a public-private partnership approach to deliver high-quality tourism services at archaeological sites and museums. This policy aims to enhance sustainability while improving service quality at these locations.

An incentive programme has been developed with the finance ministry and the Central Bank of Egypt. This programme is designed to accelerate the development of new hotel rooms in promising tourist areas. By doing so, it aims to stimulate economic growth within the tourism sector.

Elbahar noted that every 15,000 new hotel rooms contribute around two billion Egyptian pounds in VAT and commercial profit taxes. This underscores the economic benefits of expanding hotel infrastructure in Egypt’s growing tourism industry.

International Collaboration for Site Protection

The ministry is working with international organisations like UNDP, USAID, and UNESCO - Cairo office on projects aimed at protecting archaeological sites. These collaborations focus on capacity building in site management and adopting renewable energy solutions in museums and tourism facilities.

Some archaeological sites now feature climate change monitoring devices. Additionally, the Grand Egyptian Museum has received ISO certifications for quality and environmental management, showcasing Egypt’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage sustainably.

The strategic focus on attracting investments aligns with achieving sustainable tourism development goals. By enhancing transparency through digital platforms and offering incentives for hotel development, Egypt aims to bolster its tourism sector while maintaining environmental integrity.

With inputs from WAM