Egypt’s North Coast is on track to emerge as a global leader in sustainable tourism, with the development of New Alamein City playing a pivotal role, according to Mohamed Kaoud, former head of the Tourism and Aviation Committee at the Egyptian Junior Business Association.
Kaoud mentioned that New Alamein City, known for its prime coastal location, attracts substantial investment and attention from domestic and international investors. He highlighted the city’s convenient accessibility through three airports: Alamein, Borg El Arab, and Marsa Matrouh.
“The state is moving steadily in implementing a well-defined strategy for the New Alamein, evident in the implementation of robust infrastructure,” Kaoud told Daily News Egypt. “This, along with attracting foreign direct investment, implementing strong governance, strategic marketing, further infrastructure enhancement, empowering experienced national talent, establishing joint ventures with international consulting firms, and focusing on sustainability and resilience, while also developing effective plans for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), has made the city a top investment destination, with companies competing for available opportunities.”
He explained that the state is involving the private sector in developing the North Coast to expand tourism activities beyond the current focus on beaches and entertainment, which comprise 85% of the region’s tourism. “The investments in Ras El Hekma City are a result of establishing the new city of El Alamein, which serves as the core for developing the North Coast,” Kaoud said. “This has attracted significant capital and investments from regional countries to develop investment opportunities on the coast.”
Kaoud mentioned that despite the target of 2 million visitors, 10 million trips have reached the North Coast this year. He highlighted the El Alamein Festival as a key factor in attracting tourists to New Alamein City. The festival combines entertainment events with important conferences, such as the 2024 Air Show, starting in early September.
Regarding reservations on the North Coast, Kaoud confirmed that July and August see a significant influx of domestic and foreign tourism, and demand is also increasing in September and October despite the number of hotel rooms on the coast not exceeding 6,000. He noted that 3,000 rooms are expected to be added in the next two to three years, with the private sector’s capacity to double the hotel capacity in the region.
