Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Shereef Fathi, has issued a ministerial decree establishing the licensing criteria and regulations for a new category of Holiday Home units — an additional type of serviced accommodation under the national hotel licensing system.
According to the decree, this new category applies to holiday units located within independent buildings containing no fewer than eight residential units (apartments or studios). These units must include basic services and facilities and be prepared to receive both Egyptian and foreign guests.
The decision is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to increase Egypt’s hotel capacity and diversify its accommodation offerings, particularly by regularizing the status of existing unlicensed holiday units that meet quality standards. The move supports Egypt’s goal of accommodating the expected rise in tourist arrivals in the coming years while attracting new investments in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Minister Fathi emphasized that the newly issued standards and conditions are designed to ensure the highest levels of quality, safety, and comfort for guests. He also confirmed that the ministry is working on additional regulations to bring other forms of accommodation under the official Holiday Home licensing framework.
Clear Licensing Conditions for Investors
Mohamed Amer, Head of the Central Department of Hotel Establishments, Shops, and Tourist Activities, explained that to qualify for this new license, the entire building must consist solely of Holiday Home units as defined in the decree. License holders are prohibited from changing the purpose of the building’s use during the license period.
Additionally, properties must be located in touristically suitable or high-quality residential areas, and operators are required to notify the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities electronically using the official online form. Applicants must also complete all operational licensing procedures, meet all technical and safety specifications, and submit the necessary documentation to the ministry’s relevant departments.
The decree complements previous legislation, including Law No. 8 of 2022 on hotel and tourism establishments, Law No. 27 of 2023 on establishing and organizing tourism chambers, and the ministerial decision issued in March 2025 outlining licensing conditions for single-room units, suites, and villas.
