For an exquisite tourist experience and to embrace modern technology, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has introduced new self-service ticketing machines for museums and archaeological sites. As the digital transformation in every corner, the Valley of the Kings, renowned for its historical treasures, is leading the way by implementing self-service ticketing machines. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader digital transformation strategy, demonstrating its commitment to providing efficient and modern services for both native residents and international tourists.
The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, emphasized the significance of this step in the context of the ministry’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy. By introducing self-service ticketing machines, the ministry aims to improve the overall tourist experience and reduce congestion at traditional ticket sales outlets on the sites. This move is part of Egypt’s national strategy for tourism development and supports the government’s vision for a digitally advanced and visitor-friendly industry.
The self-service machines allow visitors to conveniently purchase entry tickets using their bank cards, promoting a cashless transaction environment. Khaled Sherif, the Assistant to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Digital Transformation, highlighted the exclusive use of bank cards for payments through these machines. He emphasized that this strategic step aligns with the Egyptian government’s broader digital transformation goals and encourages non-cash transactions, while also aiding in the regulation and monitoring of visitor movements.
During the initial phase, the ministry plans to install and operate 40 self-service machines at 20 of the most popular archaeological sites across Egypt. This phased implementation demonstrates a commitment to gradually integrating technology into cultural exploration while ensuring a smooth transition for both local and international visitors. This technological leap follows the successful rollout of non-cash transactions at various historical sites and museums across Egypt, which began in May 2023. The policy restricts the purchase of tickets to bank cards only, excluding cash payments.
The implementation of this payment system extends beyond the Valley of the Kings, encompassing other prominent sites and museums in Cairo, including the Giza Pyramids area, the Saladin Citadel, and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. Currently, more than 30 archaeological sites and museums are in the process of adopting the non-cash payment system, facilitating a widespread shift towards digital transactions. This initiative not only improves the efficiency and convenience of ticket purchases but also aligns with the ministry’s goal of promoting a cashless economy and embracing modern advancements in the tourism sector.
