Africa tourism gains as Egypt named Premier Partner for WTM London 2026

Africa’s tourism industry is drawing stronger global attention as the Egyptian Tourism Authority has been named Premier Partner for World Travel Market London 2026, one of the world’s largest gatherings for the travel trade. 

The partnership highlights Egypt’s growing role in the international tourism market and offers another platform for the continent to present its destinations to travel companies, investors and global tour operators. 

The announcement was made during a ceremony in London following the launch of Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold: The Exhibition at Battersea Power Station. 

The agreement was confirmed by Chris Carter-Chapman, event director of WTM London, alongside Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities. 

For many in the industry, the partnership also reflects wider interest in African destinations as travelers continue to seek cultural heritage, wildlife experiences and coastal tourism across the continent.

Egypt expands presence at global travel show 

Egypt has maintained a long relationship with WTM London, taking part in every edition since the event first opened in 1980.

In recent years, the country has steadily increased its presence at the exhibition. 

The Egyptian Tourism Authority expanded its stand space by more than 20 percent between 2023 and 2024, followed by another increase of over 50 percent in 2025.

In total, Egypt’s presence at the show has grown by almost 90 percent since 2023. 

Last year, the stand hosted about 90 co-exhibitors, including tour operators and travel companies.

Negotiations are also under way to increase Egypt’s exhibition space further for the 2026 event. 

Several companies have also begun exhibiting independently.

National carrier EgyptAir, along with hotel groups, resorts and destination management firms, showcased their services on the show floor last year.

Tourism growth strengthens outlook 

Tourism continues to play a central role in Egypt’s economy.

Government figures show that nearly 19 million international travelers visited Egypt in 2025, a 21 percent increase from the previous year and well above the global tourism growth rate of about 5 percent. 

The country is now served by flights from nearly 200 cities worldwide, helping widen access for visitors from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. 

Officials have set a target of attracting 30 million international tourists by 2031 as the government works to expand tourism infrastructure and strengthen partnerships with global travel companies. 

According to the WTM Global Travel Report 2025, inbound tourism spending in Egypt could increase by about 27 percent by 2030 as demand for cultural tourism, Red Sea beach resorts and historical sites continues to grow. 

The 2026 edition of World Travel Market London will be held from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5 at ExCeL London, where Egypt plans to showcase its tourism strategy under the theme “Egypt – Unmatched Diversity.”