As part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism and expand hotel capacity, Dr. Magdy Shaker, Chief Archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, has revealed a set of new initiatives set to take effect in 2026. Most notably, the plan will allow the conversion of residential buildings into hotels free of charge, a move aimed at rapidly increasing accommodation options in key tourist areas.
During a telephone interview with presenter Mahmoud El-Sherif on Marasi on Al-Nahar TV, Shaker explained that the initiative will help accommodate the growing influx of tourists, particularly in high-demand locations such as Nazlet El-Samman and areas surrounding the pyramids. He emphasized that easing restrictions on hotel development in these zones is essential to sustain tourism growth.
Shaker also announced plans to construct approximately 15,000 new hotel rooms near the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the Pyramids. He described the project as one of the most significant developments supporting cultural tourism, highlighting it as a reflection of integrated planning aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience in the area.
The initiative marks a major step toward Egypt’s ambitious goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually, following the country’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2025, when nearly 19 million visitors were recorded.
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