Egypt is developing ways to promote yacht tourism, hoping it brings large economic returns to the state. At a Cabinet meeting in Cairo on Aug. 5, the ministers of tourism and transport discussed ways to develop this type of tourism upon directives from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to formulate a strategic plan to maximize yacht tourism by the end of this month. Once the plan is fully devised, it will be presented to Sisi for approval.

During the meeting, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Anany said Egypt has more than 2,400 kilometers of coastline and picturesque beaches and distinct tourist resorts located in close proximity to famous historical touristic cities. Egypt enjoys a temperate climate all year, so it allows this tourism throughout the year and disembarking foreign yachts during the winter period.

Anany said the economic importance of yacht tourism are revenues from transit and berthing fees, taxes, fuel and maintenance.

The move comes at a time when Egypt — like other countries throughout the world — has seen a sharp drop in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, revenue from the tourism sector dropped 70%, with a total of 3.5 million visitors, compared with over 13 million in 2019.