Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has issued a decision appointing Ms. Rana Gouhar, the Minister’s Advisor for Communications and External Relations, as the General Supervisor of the General Department of International Relations and Agreements at the ministry. Gouhar will assume this new responsibility in addition to her current advisory role.
The decision reflects a strategic effort to integrate communication, diplomacy, and international engagement within the ministry’s institutional framework. According to an official statement, the appointment underscores the ministry’s commitment to leveraging high-caliber expertise to enhance institutional performance and elevate Egypt’s international presence in the tourism and heritage sectors.
A Track Record of Diplomatic Leadership
Ms. Gouhar has served as Advisor to the Minister for Communications and External Relations since the unification of the ministries of Tourism and Antiquities in 2019. She also oversees the General Department of Public Relations and Protocol since 2023.
From 2016 to 2019, she held the post of Media Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, where she played a vital role in external engagement and public positioning of the ministry during key global events.
Over the course of her career at the ministry, Ms. Gouhar has taken the lead in coordinating with both domestic and international stakeholders, including foreign embassies in Cairo, and has participated in organizing numerous high-level diplomatic visits and international events. She has also represented the ministry in several intergovernmental committees, strengthening Egypt’s bilateral and multilateral tourism relations.
Navigating Crisis with Strategy
Ms. Gouhar’s strategic contributions were instrumental during two major global crises that significantly impacted Egypt’s tourism industry: the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Her work during these periods included managing stakeholder communication, diplomatic coordination, and supporting international crisis response strategies.
Extensive Career
Prior to joining the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Ms. Gouhar worked in the Planning Department of the Social Fund for Development—now known as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA)—under the Egyptian Cabinet. Her responsibilities included liaising with donor organizations, developing action plans for national development programs, and coordinating budget allocations for internationally funded projects.
Ms. Gouhar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, a credential that underpins her analytical and policy development skills.
