Cairo Charts a New Maritime Future: Cruise Egypt Forum Launches for the First Time

In a historic first for Egypt’s maritime tourism sector, the capital city Cairo hosted the inaugural Cruise Egypt Forum on June 1, 2025 — the country’s first national conference dedicated to cruise tourism.

This landmark event aligns with Egypt’s 2030 Sustainable Tourism Vision and aims to reshape the country’s maritime tourism landscape in line with global trends. The goal is to transform Egypt from a traditional tourist destination into a key player on the global cruise map.

A Strategic Vision to Redesign Maritime Tourism

Mohamed Gamal, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Assistant General Manager of GAC Egypt, emphasized that the forum was not merely about showcasing investment opportunities. Instead, it is rooted in a comprehensive re-engineering of Egypt’s maritime tourism sector based on modern global operational models.

Gamal stated:

“We are working to establish a modern operating model that leverages our port infrastructure, streamlines processes, and connects Egypt’s tourism routes with active international cruise networks.”

He added that the strategic vision is to position Egypt not just as a port of call, but as a destination offering a rich, cultural, and immersive experience — from port arrival to the heart of Egyptian identity.

Egypt as a Bridge Between East and West

Jassem Zaiton, Director of ZAITON and Technical Advisor to the Forum, stated that what’s unfolding is not just a specialized event but a strategic repositioning of the cruise industry in the region.

Zaiton noted:

“Egypt possesses the geographic and historical assets to be a central point of convergence between East and West. Today, it also possesses the vision, political will, and the necessary tools to realize this potential.”

He explained that the forum was built on an intellectual and operational agenda focused on integration between infrastructure, innovation, and international cooperation. According to Zaiton, the forum lays the foundation for future alliances, innovative routes, and partnerships that transcend traditional frameworks.

High-Level Global and Regional Participation

The forum welcomed a wide range of attendees, including global cruise industry leaders, international decision-makers, government officials, economic institutions, and stakeholders from the transport, tourism, and logistics sectors.

This diverse participation underscores the forum’s importance as a strategic platform for redefining Egypt’s position in the global cruise tourism landscape and opening new pathways for regional and international collaboration.

Key Advantages of the Cruise Egypt Forum

The Cruise Egypt Forum marks a paradigm shift in how Egypt approaches the cruise sector and offers several advantages that enhance its status as a regional hub for maritime tourism.

Key Benefits Include:

• Showcasing Egypt’s advanced port infrastructure
• Presenting real investment opportunities in maritime transport and tourism
• Integrating Nile and sea tourism routes into a unified system
• Engaging both local and international private sectors in service development
• Strengthening partnerships with global cruise lines
• Positioning Egypt as a rich cultural and historical destination
• Supporting Egypt’s 2030 sustainable development goals through eco-friendly tourism

About ZAITON

ZAITON is one of the region’s leading firms specializing in maritime consultancy and tourism development. The company played a pivotal role in organizing the Cruise Egypt Forum.

Company Overview:

• Industry: Maritime consultancy, port development, marine event management
• Experience: Extensive track record working with public and private sectors across the Middle East
• Vision: Empower nations to harness their maritime resources through innovative, sustainable solutions
• Mission: Turn logistical challenges into development opportunities through strategic partnerships

ZAITON was the driving force behind the forum’s agenda, combining strategic insight with practical implementation to present Egypt as a modern, globally competitive cruise destination.

Egypt on the Global Cruise Map

Through this forum, Egypt aims to transition from a seasonal or transit destination to a permanent regional hub in the cruise industry, offering a fully integrated tourism experience that includes:

• Luxury Nile cruises
• Connectivity between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean
• Visits to world-renowned archaeological sites like the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings
• Relaxing beach escapes in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
• Authentic cultural experiences in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite Egypt’s immense potential, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize its cruise tourism ambitions:

• Modernizing infrastructure at certain ports
• Streamlining customs and administrative procedures
• Enhancing workforce skills in the maritime tourism sector
• Boosting international marketing of Egypt as a cruise destination

However, the clear political will and institutional support demonstrated at the forum signal that Egypt is on a determined path toward achieving its ambitious vision.

The Cruise Egypt Forum is not just a one-time event — it marks the beginning of a new era in Egypt’s maritime tourism history. It merges strategic vision with actionable plans and opens the door to partnerships and alliances that will place Egypt at the heart of the global cruise industry.

Through this forum, Cairo has sent a clear message to the world: Egypt is ready to become a global cruise hub — not only because of its rich history and civilization but also due to its modern vision and boundless ambition.

If cruise travel is the future of tourism, then Egypt is confidently and creatively charting that future.