Egypt to Host First Cruise Forum in 2025 to Advance Maritime Tourism

Egypt is set to host the inaugural Cruise Egypt Forum, an event dedicated to positioning the country as a key player in global cruise tourism. Scheduled for June 1–2, 2025, the forum will take place under the theme Navigate Egyptian Legacy and is designed to support Egypt’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism 2030. Organized under the auspices of the Suez Canal Authority and backed by Gulf and European partners, the event signifies Egypt’s growing emphasis on the cruise sector as part of its broader tourism goals.

Focus on Egypt’s Tourism Vision 2030

The Cruise Egypt Forum aligns with the Egyptian government’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028. To meet this ambitious target, the tourism sector is eyeing a compound annual growth rate of 25% to 30%. Cruise tourism, considered one of the fastest-growing segments of global travel, is expected to play a vital role in achieving these goals.

The forum, the first of its kind in Egypt, intends to establish the country as a key stop on international cruise routes. By highlighting Egypt’s cultural and geographic assets, the event seeks to enhance the global appeal of the nation’s ports and maritime infrastructure.

Key Objectives and Industry Participation

The event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including top executives from leading cruise operators, international tourism experts, port company representatives, and senior Egyptian government officials. Key goals include:

• Promoting investment in port and island development.
• Discussing ways to improve maritime tourism services and streamline port procedures.
• Highlighting opportunities for integrating cruise itineraries with on-land cultural exploration.

Interactive sessions will provide a collaborative platform for public and private sector representatives, such as cruise lines, port developers, marine agencies, and logistics companies, to discuss strategies for advancing Egypt’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

Building a Comprehensive Cruise Tourism Ecosystem

In addition to industry-focused discussions, the forum will include cultural tours of Cairo, featuring iconic landmarks like the Grand Egyptian Museum and the historic Khan El Khalili market. These activities aim to demonstrate Egypt’s potential for offering unique, integrated travel experiences that combine sea journeys with cultural exploration on land.

The event will also serve as a stage for presenting new marketing strategies to position Egypt as a premier cruise destination. Key initiatives include the creation of integrated travel programs that connect maritime routes with inland excursions, broadening the appeal of the country’s tourism offerings and ensuring cruise visitors experience Egypt’s diverse heritage.

Supporting Economic and Strategic Growth

Egypt’s strategic location linking the Mediterranean and the Red Sea positions it as an essential hub for international cruise routes. The forum highlights investment prospects in infrastructure development, particularly around the Suez Canal and other key coastal areas, to enable sustainable growth within the sector. Furthermore, the event echoes broader economic objectives by stimulating job creation and boosting local businesses in coastal communities and beyond.

As cruise tourism emerges as a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism strategy, the Cruise Egypt Forum represents a decisive step toward modernizing the nation’s maritime infrastructure, attracting global travelers, and leveraging the economic potential of its waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cruise Egypt Forum?

The Cruise Egypt Forum is Egypt’s first-ever event dedicated exclusively to the cruise tourism industry. Scheduled for June 1–2, 2025, it aims to enhance Egypt’s maritime tourism infrastructure and position the country as a key player in global cruise networks.

What role does the forum play in Egypt’s tourism objectives?

The forum supports Egypt’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028. Cruise tourism is a central focus, and the event facilitates investments and collaborations necessary to scale up Egypt’s cruise offerings.

Who will participate in the forum?

The forum will host a wide range of stakeholders, including global cruise line executives, port developers, tourism experts, marine agencies, and senior Egyptian government officials. Collaborations between public and private sectors will be a key feature.

What are some expected outcomes of the event?

Expected outcomes include increased international investments in Egypt’s ports and supporting services, improved travel infrastructure, and enhanced marketing of Egypt as a premier cruise destination. These efforts are intended to boost local economies and elevate cruise tourism as a growth sector.

How does cruise tourism contribute to Egypt’s economy?

Cruise tourism brings economic benefits by generating revenue for ports, local businesses, and service providers along the travel chain. Additionally, it serves as a driver for infrastructure modernization, job creation, and the promotion of cultural tourism.