At a Glance
- Egypt debuts at the Monaco Yacht Show to attract luxury yacht tourism.
- The government targets the Red Sea, Mediterranean as new superyacht investment hotspots.
- Partnerships with global yachting leaders boost Egypt’s marine tourism ambitions.
Egypt marked its first official participation at the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s most prestigious superyacht exhibition, as the country steps up efforts to position itself as a global hub for yacht tourism and luxury travel.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy led the delegation to Monaco, holding high-level talks with leading figures in the global yachting industry.
The government said the move aligns with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directive to tap into the fast-growing luxury marine tourism sector as part of Egypt’s broader economic diversification strategy.
“Egypt, with its natural assets, unique coastlines, and advanced infrastructure, is capable of becoming one of the most important destinations for yacht tourism worldwide,” Fathy said at the opening of the country’s 48-square-meter pavilion.
Strategic push for yacht tourism
The Monaco Yacht Show, running from Sept. 24–27, is widely regarded as the industry’s most important gathering, drawing shipyards, designers, investors, and luxury brands.
Fathy used Egypt’s debut to showcase investment opportunities in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, particularly in emerging hotspots such as the North Coast, Ras El Hekma, and the Galala region.
Talks with Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, and Jose Marco Casellini, Chairman of Monaco Marina Management, focused on potential cooperation, including establishing yacht maintenance and service centers in Egypt with international partners.
Building global partnerships
Fathy also met with executives from top international yachting organizations including BWA Yachting, the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA), and the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).
Industry leaders highlighted Egypt’s strategic location as a year-round destination, noting the Red Sea’s appeal for winter yacht charters.
“The Red Sea is a world-class destination for yacht tourism in the winter season,” said Raphael Sauleau, President of MYBA, while BWA Yachting CEO Paschalis Patsiokas called Egypt “the key to unlocking the region’s yachting potential.”
Linking heritage with luxury travel
Alongside promoting Egypt’s coastal destinations, Fathy spotlighted the upcoming November 1 grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, reinforcing the government’s strategy to link cultural heritage with high-end travel experiences.
Why it matters
The Monaco Yacht Show, hosted annually at Port Hercules, is considered the global marketplace for the superyacht industry.
The event features more than 100 luxury yachts, alongside luxury goods, private showcases, and exclusive networking events.
Egypt’s debut signals its intent to capture a share of the booming luxury yacht tourism market, leveraging its Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts to attract high-net-worth travelers.
