“Cruise Egypt Forum – Egypt’s Maritime Tourism Conference” for the First Time

Cairo Hosts “Cruise Egypt Forum – Egypt’s Maritime Tourism Conference” for the First Time: A Strategic Shift Under State Patronage to Position Egypt as a Global Cruise Hub

In a landmark move that reflects Egypt’s strategic vision to maximize its geographical and historical assets and activate the goals of its 2030 Sustainable Tourism Vision, Cairo is hosting, for the first time, the Cruise Egypt Forum – Egypt’s Maritime Tourism Conference, starting June 1st, 2025. The event witnesses exceptional participation from global and regional cruise industry leaders, international decision-makers, highly ranked government officials, economic institutions, and stakeholders from transport, tourism, and logistics sectors. The conference marks the launch of a national transformation led by the state to position Egypt as a central regional player in the global cruise industry.

The forum is held under the patronage of H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry. It also sees high-level ministerial participation from the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, with full support from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities – Experience Egypt, the Maritime Transport Sector, the Suez Canal Authority, and the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority. This official alignment reflects a strong political will to activate the cruise sector as a dynamic economic pillar, attract qualitative investment, enhance competitiveness, and elevate Egypt’s global standing in the tourism economy.

Mohamed Gamal, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Assistant General Manager of GAC Egypt, stated: “Cruise Egypt Forum is not built on the concept of showcasing opportunities alone. It is based on re-engineering the maritime tourism landscape in Egypt in line with global market shifts. We are working to establish a modern operating model that leverages our port infrastructure, streamlines processes, and connects our tourism routes with active international networks. Our strategic vision is to position Egypt as a leading player on the global cruise map, not merely a destination to receive ships, but a nation that offers a deeply cultural and immersive experience, from port arrival to the heart of Egyptian identity. Our approach is grounded in competitiveness and in creating real added value for the Egyptian economy through a sustainable tourism model that generates employment and reinforces Egypt’s role as a regional transit and tourism hub.”

Mohamed Badawy, a key figure in the conference organization and a specialist in the maritime tourism sector, commented: “Egypt’s transformation into a regional hub for the cruise industry is not only about infrastructure development, it requires the formation of a new national narrative built on a unique blend of geography, history, and innovation. Cruise Egypt Forum is the starting point for this narrative, reflecting a moment of institutional awareness that tourism is no longer an economic luxury, but a strategic pillar for national security and sustainable development. We believe in a model where the state and private sector work hand-in-hand to invest in the future and deliver a differentiated Egyptian experience to the world. Our ambition is that every cruise journey to Egypt becomes the beginning of an unforgettable story.”

Jassem Zaiton, Director of Cruise ZAITON and Technical Advisor to the forum, stated: “What we are witnessing is not merely a specialized event but a strategic repositioning of the cruise industry in the region. Egypt possesses all the elements to become a central point of convergence between East and West. Today, Egypt also possesses the vision, the political will, and the necessary tools. In preparing for the forum, we designed an intellectual and operational agenda centered on integration between infrastructure, innovation, and international cooperation. This forum establishes the foundation for future alliances, innovative routes, and partnerships that go beyond convention—this is exactly what the region needs to claim its place in the global cruise economy.”

The Cruise Egypt Forum hosts five high-level sessions that present a comprehensive roadmap to restructure the cruise industry in Egypt. These sessions tackle challenges and opportunities, introduce successful international models, and explore prospects for collaboration among global operators, port developers, and government authorities. The first session, titled “Unlocking the Potential of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea,” features leading experts from Orient Express, Silversea – Royal Caribbean Group, and Miray Cruises, and explores strategies to position Egypt’s coasts as an integrated global cruise corridor. Another key session, “Promoting the Greater Arab Region,” presents experiences from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with representatives from Cruise Saudi, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Cruise ZAITON.

The forum also includes a thought leadership session titled “Governance and Emerging Technologies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” led by Dr. Sally Osman, global expert in cyber risk and former executive at the IMF, Aramco, and Amazon. The second day of the conference features an in-depth discussion on how to design successful cruise programs, with participation from Columbia Blu, Orient Express, and Miray Cruises. Additional sessions address development plans and mechanisms to facilitate cruise ship entry, with input from the Suez Canal Authority, Egypt’s Maritime Transport Sector, and experts from Abu Dhabi Ports. The conference concludes with a forward-looking session on future opportunities, strategic partnerships, and initiatives, with contributions from Oxford Economics, Ayan Consulting, Cruise ZAITON, and specialized media outlets.

To conclude the forum, participants will be invited to a curated cultural experience that reflects the essence of what Egypt can offer global cruise visitors. The program includes an exclusive visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a cultural tour through Islamic Cairo and Khan El-Khalili, followed by a formal dinner at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. The experience offers a seamless fusion of past and present, heritage and innovation, and reinforces Egypt’s identity as a comprehensive tourism experience—one that goes beyond being a mere stopover to becoming a global cruise destination of choice.

Cruise Egypt Forum – Egypt’s Maritime Tourism Conference is not a ceremonial event. It is a strategic declaration of Egypt’s entry into the global cruise industry, backed by national vision, state sponsorship, and international collaboration that redefines the contours of the maritime tourism map.