Haitham Arafa, Board Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, stressed that achieving sustainable and effective tourism in Upper Egypt requires the concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, rather than relying solely on the tourism sector.
He emphasized that involving local communities and civil society organizations is one of the key pillars for the success of sustainable tourism development plans.
Speaking at the conference “Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism in Upper Egypt,” Arafa said that sustainable tourism depends on close cooperation among the Ministries of Tourism, Environment, Local Development, and Education, as well as security authorities—particularly the Tourism and Antiquities Police—to ensure a safe and attractive environment for both investors and visitors.
Arafa highlighted that infrastructure development is a fundamental driver of tourism growth, pointing to the city of Esna as a successful example.
He noted that recent development projects have significantly increased visitor numbers while showcasing the city’s rich tourism potential.
He added that Egypt possesses numerous promising tourist destinations, particularly in southern Upper Egypt, but many still require further development and greater inclusion in tour operators’ travel programs.
This, he said, would help diversify Egypt’s tourism product, extend tourists’ length of stay, and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.
Arafa also underscored that ensuring the safety and security of tourists is essential for the success of any tourism development strategy.
He called for strengthening the role of the Tourism and Antiquities Police in emerging destinations, alongside improving road networks, public services, and basic infrastructure in areas with strong tourism potential.
He further urged the Ministry of Education to play a greater role in promoting tourism awareness among younger generations by integrating tourism culture into school education.
According to Arafa, raising public awareness about the importance of tourism and heritage preservation is a long-term investment that supports the sustainability of the sector and maximizes its benefits for local communities.
