Sources closely related to the issue expected that the number of visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum by the end of this year would exceed 1.3 million visitors, compared to about 800,000 visitors last year.
The sources who spoke to Mubasher Info said that the third quarter of this year is the best in terms of the number of visitors to the museum during its trial operation, with visits growing during this November and next December.
Egypt is preparing to open the Grand Egyptian Museum, as about 99% of its equipment has been completed, and work is underway to develop the surrounding areas, which are expected to be completed during the first quarter of next year.
During the past year, Egypt attracted about 14.9 million tourists, a growth of 27% over the previous year, with the aim of maintaining these same numbers at least during the current year in light of the geopolitical circumstances in the region, according to the sources, adding that the sector is seeking to diversify its products to increase flows.
Tourism represents the most important sources of foreign exchange for the Egyptian economy, along with merchandise exports, expatriate remittances, foreign direct investments, and Suez Canal revenues.
Beach tourism in Egypt represents the largest proportion of more than 80%, while tourism at archaeological sites in different regions represents 10-15% and 5% for other types.
Executive Director of the Cultural Tourism Preservation Association, Sameh Saad, said that cultural tourism is the highest in terms of spending among all types of tourism coming to Egypt, and it is also the highest in terms of frequency in terms of one tourist.
Mubasher Info revealed that the Society for the Preservation of Cultural Tourism is preparing to hold an e-tourism conference to stimulate tourist flows to Egypt next February.
The Executive Director of the Association explained that Egypt has huge tourism potential and resources, especially in the archaeological sector from different eras and in different regions of the country that are admired by all nationalities, which requires intensifying marketing and promotion of this unique product.
The association held a meeting with Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathi during the week of this November to discuss preparations for the conference and stimulating cultural tourism
