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Identifying the problems and constraints of tourism development and believing in the role of tourism in supporting the national economy , the State enacted Law No. 7 for the year 1991 in 03/12/1991 concerning certain provisions related to the state property . In its second article, the law announced the establishment of the Tourism Development authority TDA to undertake the responsibility of managing, exploiting and using lands allocated for tourism development. IT also declared the establishment of the General Authority For Reconstruction Projects & Agricultural Development to undertake the responsibility of managing , exploiting and using lands allocated for the purposes of Reclamation and cultivation ,in addition to the establishment of the New Urban Communities Authority to undertake the responsibility of managing , exploiting and using lands allocated for the establishment of new urban communities . The articles of law No. 7 for the year 1991 focused mainly on assigning the development of desert areas outside the cities cordons (Tourism - Agriculture - Construction) to the aforementioned entities that own the technical base to take responsibility of planning, supervising , implementing, and monitoring development projects. Presidential resolution of the Arab Republic of Egypt no. 374 for the year 1991 was issued to declare the establishment of the Tourism Development Authority . President of the republic Decided: - Article one : The Tourism Development Authority TDA is a general economic authority, it has a legal personality, its main headquarter is in Cairo ,it is affiliated to the tourism minister , and may establish more branches in other governorates . - Article two : The TDA aims to develop tourist areas within the frame of the general policy of the state and its economic plan and in order to achieve its goals , it can engage in all relevant contracts and activities especially : 1- Formulating plans of developing tourist areas . 2 - Preparing and reviewing the assessment of projects ,studies and programs necessary for developing tourist areas, in addition to defining priority zones. 3- Implementing main projects of TDA in tourist areas . 4- Collecting of the costs of utilities and services from the beneficiaries against projects carried out by the TDA in tourist areas . 5- Agreeing on Local and foreign loans contracts with commitment to repay. 6- Supervising the tourism development implementation plan in tourist areas. 7- Managing, exploiting and using lands allocated for purposes of the establishment of tourist areas in desert lands.

The prime minister issued decision no. 2908 in 1995 to declare the governing rules of managing , exploiting and using TDA allocated lands.

Also released prime minister resolution no.2908 of year 1995 concerning the regulations and conditions that organized to manage ,exploit and use the allocated lands for tourism development authority .

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Tourism ministry launches its first official service web portal

• Tuesday، 09 August 2022 - 03:23 AM

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched its first official website after merging the two portfolios of tourism and antiquities into one ministry.

It is also the first official service website for the ministry to be launched in several years, the ministry said announced in a press release on Monday 8/8/2022.

The ministry noted that the pilot launch of the website is to be followed by regular improvements and updates to introduce new digital services and keep visitor abreast of the latest developments in the tourism and antiquities industry.

For the first time, up to 50 per cent of the ministry's services will be available through the website, including license procedures for restaurants and travel agents, tourist program notices, ticket reservation for museums and archeological sites, as well as the services offered on the Egyptian Umrah web portal, the ministry said.

The website also provides introductory and informational services covering all details related to the scope of work, tasks and competencies of the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry and its affiliated bodies, and the components of tourism infrastructure in Egypt.

It also provides information on tourism-related legislation and promotional campaigns, not to mention a monthly E-Magazine published by the ministry.

The move is part of a ministerial digital transformation strategy to digitize all its services for a streamlined, quick, and accurate delivery of services.

The website was established in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in accordance to a protocol signed between the two ministries.

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UNWTO Delegation Observes Safe Restart of Tourism in Egypt on Official Visit

• Middle East
• 26 Aug 2020

A high-level delegation from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has concluded an official visit to Egypt to offer firm support for the government’s work to restart tourism and direct its benefits towards supporting livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.

As the United Nations released its landmark Policy Brief on COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlining his Five Priorities for rebuilding the sector , UNWTO visited Egypt to help guide the implementation of these key recommendations . Led by the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, the delegation met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled Al-Anani to learn of the steps taken to support tourism , including through the merging of the ministries of antiquities and tourism and the provision of grants and incentives to the sector. Mr Pololikashvili also met with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly to learn more of work being undertaken to boost consumer confidence and guarantee the safety of both tourism workers and tourists.

Tourism adapting to new reality

The United Nations has made clear the importance of tourism for everything from employment to equality, making it an integral part of sustainable development

The high-level talks, which also featured an update on large-scale tourism projects currently underway, including the new Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, were complemented by visits to several of Egypt’s most popular tourist sites. This allowed the UNWTO delegation to see first-hand the enhanced safety and hygiene protocols put in place in response as the sector adjusts a new reality within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The safe restart of tourism is not only possible, it is essential. The United Nations has made clear the importance of tourism for everything from employment to equality, making it an integral part of sustainable development. Egypt, as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, has supported the sector with firm actions, including effective fiscal and economic policies. It is now ready to welcome tourists back to its many sites of interest, all the while putting people and their wellbeing first.”

Private sector and institutional partnerships

Alongside meeting with the Egyptian government, the UNWTO Secretary-General also met with the Egyptian Tourism Federation and the Federation of Tourist Chambers. Both outlined the measures being taken to adapt safety protocols in tourist accommodation and other key services to the new reality. Visits to the world-famous Pyramids, the National Museum for Egyptian Civilization and to one of the country’s top marine tourism destinations likewise provided a broad overview of the joined-up approach to the safe and responsible restart of tourism.

The visit to Egypt came as UNWTO and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) work together to provide help guide and accelerate the recovery of tourism in the country. Egypt is one of a first group of 13 countries that will benefit from expert technical support as the two organizations build on their existing partnership to support tourism as it recovers from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The joint initiative will see the tourism sectors of all 38 economies where the Bank invests benefit from expert technical support, allowing them to introduce new safety and hygiene protocols and so boost confidence and revive demand.

Related links

• Download the news release
• UN Secretary-General’s Policy Brief: COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism
• EBRD and UNWTO Partner to Boost Tourism Recovery
• Tourism Restarts: 40% of Destinations Have Now Eased Travel Restrictions

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USEFUL INFORMATION

All you need to know to plan your trip.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Whether you’re visiting Egypt for the first time or you’re returning to experience more, here’s everything you need to know and some insider tips to help you start planning your trip today.

Tips to Plan Your Trip

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We love welcoming people from around the world, which is why we strive to make your entry to Egypt as easy as possible. There are currently 78 nationalities that qualify for a visa upon arrival or an electronic visa that can be obtained via our portal . Additionally, more than 180 nationalities can get a tourist visa upon arrival if the passport holder has a valid and used visa for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

You can check the full list of eligible countries and apply and pay for your visa online using Egypt’s visa online application portal, Egypt Visa . Alternatively, you can obtain your visa through Egyptian consulates worldwide or get your visa upon arrival for USD 25 from the bank counter in the airport’s passport control area.

If you’re travelling directly to Sharm al-Sheikh, Nuweiba, and Taba with a limited stay of up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permit stamp upon arrival that allows you to move freely across South Sinai destinations, including Dahab. If you intend to travel beyond this area or stay longer than 15 days, you will need to get a visa.

Here are all the essentials to prepare you for landing in Egypt! After reading through the “All You Need to Know” details, the only thing left to do is book your ticket, pack your bags, and count down the days until you start your dream vacation.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

Egypt’s climate is temperate and has short seasonal transitions, and its moderate winter extends from November to March and summer from May to September. Winters are cool and mild, with certain regions in the south remaining warm year-round, and summers are hot and dry with cooler, more humid weather on the Mediterranean coastline and even less humidity on the Red Sea coastline. Almost every day is a sunny day in Egypt, with average daylight ranging between 10 and 14 hours, depending on the time of year.

What Should I Pack?

Light, loose cotton clothing is highly recommended when visiting Egypt, and a light-medium jacket or windbreaker should be sufficient if you’re visiting during fall or winter. Make sure to pack all your hot and sunny weather essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, and sunglasses! Carrying a scarf or light cardigan is encouraged, as visitors will be expected to cover their arms and legs when visiting certain landmarks and sites, such as mosques, churches, and synagogues. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for visiting archaeological sites.

Will I Be Able to Communicate?

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, spoken by the entire population of over 100 million citizens. In urban centers and popular tourist destinations, many locals understand and are fluent in English. In tourist areas, other European languages—such as French, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—are also commonly spoken.

What Is the Official Currency?

Egypt’s national currency is the Egyptian Pound (geneh), and the design of each note depicts the country’s rich cultural heritage! Beautiful designs reflect images of ancient Egyptian figures, Islamic civilization, Arabesque patterns, and Arabic calligraphy. Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. The one pound is also circulated as a coin. Currency exchanges are readily available all around the country in nearly every major hotel, tourist destination, and airport. Commercial banks offer ATMs with currency exchange services 24/7.

Will I Be Able to Go Online?

If you don’t have roaming services enabled, all of Egypt’s major telecom operators offer temporary holiday lines for tourists. Visit any WE, Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat shop and ask for a temporary line with plenty of minutes and internet data to last throughout your trip. If you are working remotely, you can also inquire about buying a MiFi device with a large data package. All telecom service providers will need to make copies of your passport in order to process the required paperwork. The majority of hotels offer free WiFi services for guests to use during their stay.

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel advisory and regulations for tourism, click here .

To safeguard the wellbeing of Egyptian citizens and visitors, the Egyptian government has instituted the following safety regulations:

A Vaccinated Workforce: To enhance the safety of interactions between tourists and staff, all staff members working in the tourism industry have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes, and is not limited to, staff working in hotels, resorts, cafes, restaurants, bazaars, and archaeological sites.

Hygiene Safety Certificate: Hospitality and tourism establishments, archaeological sites, and museums have obtained a Hygiene Safety Certificate to ensure the implementation of proper health and safety practices.

Periodic Inspections: Joint committees have been formed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Chamber of Hotels Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Health to conduct regular inspections of certified hotels. Violations result in the suspension of the establishment's license.

Egypt has several international airports that you can choose from depending on where you wish to start and end your trip.

You can fly in and begin your trip from several places around the country. Below is a comprehensive list of Egypt’s airports:

• Cairo International Airport
• Sphinx International Airport (opening soon)
• Hurghada International Airport
• Marsa Alam International Airport
• Sharm al-Sheikh International Airport
• Taba International Airport
• Luxor International Airport
• Aswan International Airport
• Borg al-Arab International Airport
• Al-Alamein International Airport (opening soon)
• Marsa Matruh International Airport
• Asyut International Airport
• Suhag International Airport

Domestic Airports

Fly domestically on EgyptAir Nile Air, and Air Cairo.

• Port Said Airport
• Al-Kharga Airport
• Abu Simbel Airport

You can also enter Egypt through several sea ports:

• Alexandria Port
• Hurghada Port
• Safaga Port
• Taba Marina Port
• Nuweiba Port
• Ras Ghaleb Port

We want your trip to start on the right foot, so here are some insider tips to help! As soon as you land and switch on your phone, you should receive an SMS with a welcome note and important hotlines to call for all the information and services you may need—we’ve got you covered!

Photography & Filming Permits

Whether you’re standing in awe of the Giza Pyramids, riding a camel by the shoreline in Marsa Alam, or staring out over the mountains from the top of Mount Sinai, taking stunning photos of your trip is encouraged!

Taking photos and videos for personal, non-commercial purposes is allowed without a permit, and free of charge in public places using any type of camera. This includes photography at archaeological sites and museums but without the use of flash photography indoors.

Taking photos of children is forbidden, and Egyptian citizens can only be photographed after obtaining their written permission.

Photography without a permit is also prohibited in institutions such as ministries, legislative councils, government facilities, police stations, buildings and sites belonging to the Armed Forces, and other sovereign and security authorities.

If you are using the following types of equipment, you will need to obtain a special permit:

• • Shooting equipment, such as professional photography umbrellas
• • Outdoor artificial lighting gear
• • equipment that occupies or blocks public roads

For more information regarding commercial photography and videography at archaeological sites and museums, please contact the Cultural Relations Department at the Ministry of Tourism.

Email: [email protected]

To ensure smooth entry, please make sure you declare your professional camera equipment and drones at the airport, as the use of this type of equipment requires special permits issued by the government.

Insider Tips

Although credit cards are accepted in all the major cities and tourist destinations, Egypt is still a cash-based society, especially when dealing with taxis, small shops, etc., so make sure to always carry enough Egyptian cash.

With ride hailing apps widely used, navigating the streets of Greater Cairo and Alexandria is no trouble at all. Taxis are readily available and required by law to have a working meter. Make sure that the meter is turned on once you start the ride.

Here’s all the information you need about traveling from city to city inside Egypt!

A short, 60-minute domestic flight will get you to most places inside Egypt, transporting you swiftly to beaches, resorts, mountains, and temples. Check out the extensive list of airports Here . Book your flight online with Egypt Air, Nile Air, and Air Cairo.

Egypt’s air-conditioned trains are a good option for scenic travel between Cairo and Alexandria, Marsa Matruh, the Delta, and the Canal Zone, as well as for heading south to Luxor and Aswan. Tourists can opt for first class ticketing, at reasonable prices, giving you access to waiter service, reclining armchairs, and on-board entertainment. If you’re looking for more luxury, then go for sleeper cars with a two-bed cabin, sink, plus access to a dining car and a bar serving breakfast and dinner. Schedules and online tickets are available on the Egyptian Railways website . Seats can be reserved up to seven days in advance, but return tickets are not necessarily available for purchase from your journey’s starting point.

Hit the road and travel across Egypt by bus! Egypt’s three main bus companies crisscross the country. The Upper Egypt Bus Company connects Cairo to the Nile Valley, Fayoum, the inner oases, and Red Sea Coast all the way down past Marsa Alam. The East Delta Bus Company crosses over to Sinai and the Suez Canal Zone, while the West and Middle Delta Bus Company heads north to the Nile Delta and Alexandria and northwest to Marsa Matruh and Siwa. Tickets can easily be booked online .

Rent a Car, Motorcycle, or Bicycle

Renting a car can give you the freedom and autonomy to zip around and make your own schedule! For slightly more money, you can hire a driver if tackling the streets of Egypt proves to be overwhelming. Several private rental companies are readily available, with online booking and pickups from airports or hotels. Another great way to get around small beach towns, local sites, or remote beaches is by motorcycle or bicycle. Explore places like Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Dahab, Sharm al-Sheikh, Al-Gouna, and Siwa from the seat of a two-wheeler and add to your holiday experience!

Sail down the Nile like the ancient Egyptians! In Cairo, speedy Nile taxis are available to shorten the trip between neighborhoods. A quick internet search will provide you with rates, online booking options, and drop-off and pick-up points. Dozens of cruise ships operate along the Nile, with most sailing from Luxor to Aswan (or vice versa) on three- to seven-night trips with stops at major attractions. Luxury Dahabeyas operate between Aswan and Luxor. Local ferries are also available to cross the Nile and Suez Canal at various points. Don’t miss floating up and down the Nile in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan on a felucca for transportation and sightseeing while enjoying the serenity of the river.

If you’re planning on exploring the marvels of Egyptians deserts or going on an adventure to one of the more secluded sites and hidden gems around the country, make sure to check with your hotel, licensed guide, authorized travel agency, or tour operator if the destination is open for visitors and ask them to help you make the necessary arrangements.

We wish you a pleasant stay, but just to be extra safe, keep these numbers handy for quick and easy access in case of inquiries, suggestions, or emergencies! They will be sent to you via SMS upon arrival.

New Egypt E-Learning platform for the trade launches

The Egyptian Tourism Authority has announced its new training platform, going live on May 17th, 2023. 

Agents can access the training platform from May 17th, with eight interactive modules packed with information.

The platform also hosts an agent resources section, with downloadable assets, brochures, and sales material.

The interactive tool aims to inspire agents and operators to become certified 'Egypt Specialists' and showcase the rich variety of tourism offerings awaiting guests in Egypt.

Everyone completing the programme will receive an official personalised certificate from the Egyptian Tourism Authority. 

Over the next two months, any agent passing the course will be entered into a monthly prize draw for a unique Egyptian prize. 

www.egyptspecialist.com

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Egypt aims to double the number of tourists to reach 30 million by 2028, tourism minister says

Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Issa said. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Hundreds of tourists surround the Colossal head of the god Serapis, center, one of the most important gods in the Greek and Roman periods, at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Hundreds of tourists surround the statue of Djoser, at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Workers build a new fountain to replace the old one at the garden of the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Egyptian museum officials hang the planner of the new fountain at the garden of the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Hundreds of tourists watch and film antiquities at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The country is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Hundreds of tourists watch and film antiquities at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Tourists surround the golden mask of King Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A Toursit watches king tutankhamun sarcophagus at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

The golden mask of King Tutankhamun is seen at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A Toursit watches antiquities at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A Toursit watches the seated statue of king Khasekhemwy, last king of the 2nd Dynasty of Egypt, at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A worker shows a Lotus flower to be returned to the new planned fountain at the garden of the Egyptian museum in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector has begun to recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe, Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said during an interview with the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

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CAIRO (AP) — Egypt is seeking to double the number of visitors to the country in the next five years, its top tourism official told The Associated Press.

Egypt is aiming at reaching 30 million visitors by 2028, as its once-thriving tourism sector recovers from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the grinding war in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said Tuesday.

“We’re seeing unparalleled demand, unprecedented demand for travel into Egypt,” Issa said in an interview.

He said Egypt had received 10 million tourists in the first eight months of 2023, and was “well on track to achieve around 15 million this year, which is going to be a record year for the tourism industry.”

The sector is a major source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped North African country. Last year, tourism revenues surged to $10.7 billion, up from around $5 billion in 2021, according to the Egyptian central bank.

The government’s plan focuses on what he calls the “supply side,” which includes increasing the number of hotel rooms in the country and seats on flights to Egypt by more than 30% annually, as well as encouraging more private investment in the tourism sector.

Issa said they would add 25,000 hotel rooms to Egypt’s current capacity of about 210,000. Such an increase, he said, would help the government achieve its target of 18 million tourist visits in 2024.

“That will be the fastest growth in (hotel) rooms in Egypt over the past 20 years,” he said.

Egypt has made a years-long effort to revive its battered tourism industry. The sector was badly hit during and after the popular uprising in 2011 that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak and the ensuring unrest. The country received over 14 million tourists in 2010.

The coronavirus, followed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, dealt another blow, just as the sector was getting back on its feet.

In recent years, the government has touted its ancient history as a major selling point. It has publicized pharaonic discoveries, building and renovating museums and tourist sites across the country.

Issa spoke to the AP from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a neoclassical structure built in the late 19th century and the first purpose-built museum in the Middle East and North Africa.

The museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo, drawing an average of 10,000 visitors a day, said museum director Ali Abdel-Halim. It holds tens of thousands of antiquities in its collection, some of which have never been exhibited.

In recent years, the government has embarked on renovating the museum, in cooperation with five major institutions in Europe, including the British Museum and the Louvre in Paris, Abdel-Halim said.

The four-phase project, which is partly financed by the European Union, includes a renovation of the entire building, which was designed by the famed French architect Marcel Dourgnon.

For decades, the museum in central Cairo was the main facility housing Egyptian heritage treasures. But in recent years, the the government transferred many artifacts — such as the prized royal mummies — to the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Grand Egyptian Museum , a mega-project which has been under construction for well over a decade near the famed Giza Pyramids.

Issa said they were working to finish construction and complete the installation by the end of the year, and the museum would be ready for its opening ceremony “very soon.”

He said they are working to set a date for the ceremony when many world leaders can attend.

“It’s going to be a magnificent day for ... the entire humanity that is interested in history and culture and archaeology and heritage,” he said.