During his official visit to Japan’s capital, Tokyo, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, engaged in a series of high-profile media meetings with some of Japan’s largest and most influential outlets. Among those present were representatives from Kyodo News, Asahi TV and Newspaper, Japan Press, and the travel magazine Travel Voice. The primary focus of these discussions was the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and its extensive collection of ancient artifacts.
The Minister’s visit coincides with the launch of the temporary exhibition “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” in Tokyo, which is part of a broader effort to promote Egypt’s diverse tourism offerings. The exhibition’s sixth stop serves as a pivotal moment for raising awareness of Egypt’s rich cultural history and attracting Japanese tourists to visit the country.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to open soon, was a central topic of the media engagements. Minister Fathy emphasized that this monumental project represents not just a museum but an entire cultural experience. “It’s the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization—ancient Egypt,” he said. “Visitors will be able to experience the full history of this incredible civilization, including the first-ever public display of the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb.”
The museum will also feature a specially designed gallery housing the Great Boat of King Khufu, a unique exhibit that draws even more attention to Egypt’s ancient royal heritage. The Grand Egyptian Museum, Minister Fathy noted, will not only be an extraordinary site for visitors but a key component in Egypt’s tourism strategy moving forward.
The Minister used the opportunity to invite Japanese citizens—and tourists globally—to explore Egypt and experience the museum’s unmatched treasures. “Egypt is waiting for you. The Grand Egyptian Museum will provide a unique, immersive experience, unlike any other,” he said, calling on international travelers to witness the rich history firsthand.
In addition to promoting the museum, Fathy also spoke about Egypt’s tourism recovery, highlighting the impressive growth in visitor numbers. Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region, Egypt welcomed 15.8 million tourists in 2024, setting a new record. This milestone underscores the trust international tourists have in Egypt’s stability and security, as well as its rising global appeal as a top travel destination.
As Egypt prepares for the museum’s opening, Minister Fathy’s meetings in Tokyo mark a significant moment in Egypt’s ongoing effort to enhance its cultural tourism sector and build deeper connections with Japan, one of the world’s most important travel markets.
