Cairo will host the country’s first-ever national forum on cruise tourism—Cruise Egypt 2025—on June 1st and 2nd. Held under the theme “Navigate Egyptian Legacy,” the event aims to position Egypt as a central hub in the global cruise industry by capitalizing on its unique geography and cultural appeal. Organized in collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority and supported by regional and international partners, the forum will bring together global cruise operators, port authorities, logistics providers, destination marketing experts, and senior government officials for two days of high-level discussions.
The objective is ambitious yet achievable: transform Egypt’s strategic ports—from Alexandria and Port Said on the Mediterranean to Safaga and Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea—into essential nodes in international cruise itineraries. The event underscores a renewed vision to make Egypt not just a transit destination but a base port, seamlessly integrating tourism with the country’s broader economic and infrastructure ambitions. With the Suez Canal already a globally significant trade route, organizers believe it is time to add a cruise corridor to Egypt’s maritime story, connecting East and West, commerce and culture.
“Cruise tourism is the sleeping giant of Egypt’s travel economy,” said Dr. Lamia Kamel, former assistant minister for tourism promotion. “With our unmatched coastal assets, this forum can finally anchor Egypt as a key player—not just a stopover—in global cruise circuits.” This vision aligns with rising demand for Middle Eastern cruise destinations and projections by the Arab Tourism Organization, which expects cruise tourism in the region to grow by 12–15% annually.
Beyond the boardrooms, Cruise Egypt 2025 will offer delegates a firsthand encounter with Egypt’s cultural riches, including curated visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum—set to fully open later this year—and the iconic Khan El Khalili market. These immersive experiences will demonstrate how Egypt’s ancient allure and contemporary amenities can form a compelling offering for cruise lines and travelers alike. “The Egyptian experience is more than pyramids and beaches. Our challenge is integrating cruise visitors into deeper, more enriching tourism flows,” said Hanan Salama, a heritage tourism advisor involved in designing the cultural program for the forum.
While the forum seeks to build consensus among government and private sector players, sources close to the event hint at exclusive announcements in the works. Industry insiders suggest potential agreements with major cruise operators such as MSC Cruises, alongside Gulf logistics giants and European tourism investors. One proposed initiative involves establishing seasonal cruise circuits between Cairo, Luxor, and Jeddah, possibly including ports in Aqaba and Cyprus—signaling Egypt’s intent to lead in regional connectivity.
Expert voices like Mohamed El Dahshan, a regional consultant in maritime tourism, argue that Egypt is “uniquely positioned to become a transit and home port destination for the Middle East, connecting not just ports but entire economic zones.” In practical terms, this could translate into new jobs, expanded logistics and hospitality services, and revitalized infrastructure across secondary cities like Ain Sokhna and Safaga.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, has increasingly prioritized cruise development as part of its post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy. With diversified source markets, heightened global interest in slow and experiential travel, and regional cooperation across the Red Sea and Mediterranean, Egypt now has the momentum to act decisively. Cruise Egypt 2025 is more than an event; it’s a declaration of intent—reimagining Egypt’s historic maritime legacy for a 21st-century global tourism renaissance.
