Egypt named Premier Partner for WTM London 2026

Egypt has been introduced because the Premier Partner for World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, marking a serious milestone for the nation because it continues to develop its international tourism presence. The partnership was confirmed by WTM London, one of many world’s most influential journey business occasions, with the Egyptian Tourism Authority taking up the flagship associate position for the 2026 version.

The settlement was formalised throughout a signing ceremony lately at Neon at Battersea Power Station in London, following the unique launch of Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold: The Exhibition. The ceremony introduced collectively Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London; Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority; and Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who formally confirmed the partnership.

Egypt’s lengthy relationship with WTM London

Egypt has maintained a powerful presence at WTM London because the occasion’s inaugural version in 1980, making it one of many longest-standing members on the international journey exhibition. In latest years, the nation has considerably expanded its participation on the present. Its exhibition stand house grew by greater than 20 % between 2023 and 2024, adopted by an extra enhance of over 50 % in 2025. Overall, this represents practically 90 % development in stand house since 2023, highlighting Egypt’s growing funding in international tourism promotion. At the 2025 version of WTM London, Egypt’s pavilion hosted round 90 co-exhibitors, demonstrating the occasion’s significance as a platform for collaboration throughout the worldwide journey business.

Discussions are already below strategy to develop Egypt’s presence even additional for the 2026 occasion. WTM London has additionally seen a rising variety of Egyptian journey suppliers take part independently. In 2025, for instance, nationwide provider EgyptAir operated its personal stand, whereas a number of lodge teams, resorts and vacation spot administration firms additionally exhibited on the present.

Tourism development driving international ambitions

Egypt’s appointment as Premier Partner comes amid sturdy development within the nation’s tourism sector. According to official figures, Egypt welcomed practically 19 million worldwide guests in 2025, representing a 21 % enhance in contrast with 2024 and considerably outperforming the worldwide tourism development charge of 5 %. The nation is presently related to virtually 200 cities worldwide by means of worldwide flights, reflecting its rising international tourism enchantment.

Looking forward, Egypt goals to achieve 30 million vacationer arrivals by 2031, supported by continued funding in tourism promotion and infrastructure. The WTM Global Travel Report 2025, produced in partnership with Tourism Economics, additionally predicts a 27 % enhance in inbound tourism spending in Egypt by 2030.

Industry leaders spotlight partnership

Talking in regards to the partnership, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, mentioned:
“WTM London has been instrumental in helping Egypt to become one of the world’s most popular outbound leisure destinations. We intend to take full advantage of our Premier Partner status to promote the world’s oldest tourism destination to an even wider range of source markets and traveller types.”

Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, mentioned: “Our Premier Partnership with WTM London reflects Egypt’s strategic vision to position itself as a leading global tourism destination. We will use this important partnership to promote our vision, ‘Egypt – Unmatched Diversity,’ which highlights the extraordinary breadth of experiences our country offers.” He added that the settlement was signed through the opening of Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold: The Exhibition in London, highlighting the position of worldwide partnerships in strengthening Egypt’s international tourism profile.

Talking in regards to the announcement, Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director of WTM London, mentioned: “We are delighted to have secured the Egyptian Tourism Authority as our 2026 Premier Partner this early in the planning cycle. We’re excited to work with them over the coming months as they seek to achieve their growth aims and propel them towards their target of 30 million arrivals by 2031.”

The subsequent version of WTM London 2026 will happen from Tuesday 3 November to Thursday 5 November at ExCeL London.