Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy confirmed that there are demands that government buildings in downtown should be converted to hotel rooms, which has been studied with the Prime Minister and some investors.
During the general session of the senate on Sunday, Fathy added that there is a part of these buildings that are considered part of Cairo’s heritage, leading to questions of if they should be offered to investors and how they will be managed.
Most investors are demanding the continuation of the development taking place in downtown, he said, adding “I believe that it needs a comprehensive and integrated vision like the New Administrative Capital, to preserve its heritage.”
Fathy attended the Senate session upon two requests from members to discuss the ministry’s policies in the restoration of antiquities in Egypt, alongside enhancing Egypt’s global tourism status and achieving international competitiveness.
The minister explained during the session that tourism is 100 percent based on the private sector, adding that there is a lack of marketing operations and the government is doing its part in monitoring and participating in international exhibitions.
He assured that it does not interfere in certain matters in order to maintain competition in the tourism sector.
Addressing what some MPs have said about violations in restoration of antiquities, Fathy explained: “The statues of Qasr el-Nil are not antiquities, and for six months in the ministry I have not seen any bad marketing about Egyptian tourism except from Egypt itself.”
Responding to a question about airline seats accommodating 30 million tourists, he said: “Air seats are not enough for 30 million tourists, an EgyptAir needs time to play its role again. We are trying to focus on areas where there is a surplus or demand.”
