In a recent statement before the Egyptian Parliament, Eng. Mohamed Shimi, Minister of Public Sector Business, outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. The ministry aims to breathe new life into Egypt’s historical and modern hotel assets, while improving the tourism experience nationwide.
Major Upgrades to Iconic Hotels and New Developments
Shimi revealed several key initiatives that are already underway, including the modernization of iconic hotels like the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tahrir Square, a staple of Egypt’s luxury hotel scene. Additionally, the government is working on the revival of historic properties, such as the Continental Hotel and the Shepherd Hotel in downtown Cairo, both of which are part of Egypt’s rich architectural heritage.
The government is also expanding its offerings with new hotel capacities in various tourist destinations, such as Damietta, Alexandria, the North Coast, Marsa Alam, Aswan, and South Sinai. These efforts are designed to accommodate a growing influx of tourists and cater to diverse demands, from leisure travelers to international business delegations.
Beyond traditional hotels, the plan includes enhancing floating hotels and popular tourist restaurants, such as Khan El Khalili restaurant, offering a broader range of cultural and culinary experiences for visitors. Additionally, the government is modernizing its sound and light shows, with the addition of a new light and sound display at Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, further enriching Egypt’s cultural tourism.
Focus on Strategic Development in the Tourism Sector
Minister Shimi also touched on the ongoing efforts to revamp Egypt’s national tourism infrastructure through the development of Egyptian Tourism Company, which will oversee the update of Egypt’s tourism fleet, including buses and other modes of transport for tourists. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve service quality and ensure that tourism experiences align with international standards.
“We are focusing on the sustainability and global competitiveness of our tourism and hospitality offerings,” Shimi said, emphasizing the importance of integrating modern technology, improved management practices, and increased private sector partnerships. He added that the efforts align with Egypt’s long-term vision for 2030, focusing on creating an innovative and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Strengthening the Public Sector’s Role in Economic Growth
The Minister also presented a broader strategy aimed at revitalizing Egypt’s public sector companies, which includes six holding companies and 170 subsidiary companies under the Ministry’s purview. These companies span various sectors, including metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and construction, among others.
The strategy is designed to maximize the return on state investments, enhance the contribution of these companies to the national economy, and elevate Egypt’s competitive position both locally and internationally. The plan follows the guidelines of the “Egypt 2030 Vision” and is structured around a series of sustainability and governance principles that emphasize quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
“By improving operational efficiency, integrating modern technology, and investing in human resources through training and development, we aim to elevate the performance of all our subsidiaries,” Shimi explained. “This is in line with Egypt’s broader economic objectives and will help ensure the sustainability of these businesses for future generations.”
Key Focus Areas for the Future
Minister Shimi outlined several key pillars of the new strategy that include:
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Restructuring and Overhauling Operations: The Ministry is focused on comprehensive restructuring of its subsidiaries, addressing everything from financial management and administration to technological upgrades and employee training. The goal is to enhance both efficiency and productivity while boosting profitability.
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Maximizing Asset Returns: There will be an emphasis on asset optimization, ensuring that Egypt’s public sector companies are using their resources in the most efficient and sustainable manner. This also includes improving Egypt’s tourism and hospitality properties, which represent a significant portion of the country’s national assets.
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Technological Integration: The Ministry plans to introduce modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems across all subsidiaries to improve business management. This move will enhance decision-making and streamline resource allocation across Egypt’s diverse public sector enterprises.
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Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships: The Ministry is actively seeking to build stronger partnerships with the private sector, both locally and internationally. The goal is to combine public sector strengths with private sector agility to drive economic growth and innovation.
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Workforce Development: The Ministry places a strong emphasis on capacity-building for its workforce, with a focus on training, professional development, and improving employee engagement. The goal is to create a more dynamic, innovative, and skilled workforce that can effectively contribute to Egypt’s economic transformation.
The reforms outlined by Minister Shimi represent a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to tackling some of Egypt’s most pressing challenges, particularly in the tourism and public sector industries.
