Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, inaugurated Egypt’s pavilion at the 28th edition of the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT) in Istanbul, Turkey, on February 5, 2025. The event, which runs from February 5 to 7, is one of the largest tourism trade fairs in the world, and the fifth largest of its kind globally.
During the opening ceremony, Fathy was joined by Egypt’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amr Al-Hamami, Amr El-Qady, CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Hatem Al-Alfi, Egypt’s Consul General in Istanbul.
Minister Fathy emphasized the significance of Egypt’s participation in this prestigious event, noting that Turkey represents one of the most promising markets for Egyptian tourism. He pointed out that the growing economic and diplomatic ties between Egypt and Turkey have created a favorable environment to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.
Following the official opening, Fathy toured the Egyptian pavilion and met with Egyptian exhibitors participating in the event. The participation of Egypt’s private tourism sector has grown significantly, mirroring the increased interest from Turkish tourists in visiting Egypt, a trend driven by both historical ties and new marketing efforts. The Egyptian pavilion has been particularly well-received, with exhibitors expressing excitement about the high volume of visitors and the positive business agreements they were able to establish during the event.
Designed to reflect the grandeur of ancient Egyptian temples, the pavilion has captivated visitors with its interactive activities. These include traditional henna painting and promotional films highlighting Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and its many tourist attractions, ranging from ancient archaeological sites to luxury resorts.
As part of his trip, Minister Fathy is set to hold a series of professional meetings with Turkish tour operators and airline representatives to further explore opportunities for cooperation in the tourism sector. Additionally, he will hold a press conference and engage in media interviews to enhance Egypt’s visibility as a top travel destination.
In his initial visit to Turkey, Fathy also met with the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism to discuss enhancing future collaboration between the two countries in the fields of tourism and archaeology. Furthermore, the Minister received 152 antiquities that later recovered by Turkish authorities. Fathy also toured the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara and participated in interviews with leading Turkish television channels, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening bilateral ties between Egypt and Turkey.
