Shimi stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of projects while fully adhering to the specified timetables. He emphasized the importance of integrating efforts between the subsidiaries and the private sector to deliver projects befitting Egypt's historical and tourism status, reflecting its identity and enhancing its attractiveness as a global tourist destination. He also stressed the provision of the highest level of services in accordance with international quality standards, while taking into account the environmental and cultural dimensions of all projects.
He reviewed the progress of several major projects, including the revitalization of the historic Continental Hotel (5 stars) in downtown Cairo (construction began in April 2025), the development of the Carnelia Beach Resort in Marsa Alam (implementation began in January 2025 and includes three phases), the development of the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the extension of the Steigenberger Hotel El-Lessan, and the Hotac Arkan Hotel in Ras El Bar (targeted for completion before the end of 2025), the completion of the development of the Nefertari Hotel in Abu Simbel, the extension of the Aura Hotel on the North Coast, and the "Camp Dahab" tourism project. He also reviewed the utilization of several real estate assets of domestic trade companies, including the Omar Effendi branches on Abdel Aziz Street and Hegaz Square in Cairo and Saad Zaghloul in Alexandria, and their conversion to hotel operations. He also studied the construction of new hotels in several cities, including Port Said and El-Mahalla El-Kubra, as well as the final works to develop a tourist restaurant in the Khan El-Khalili area.
The meeting also discussed the Sound and Light Company's projects, including the operational status of the new show at Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, which opened in October 2024; the modernization of the sound and light shows at the Pyramids area in partnership with the private sector; and the introduction of virtual reality (VR) shows, which have already begun at the Pyramids and are being expanded to other archaeological sites. In this context, the Minister stressed the importance of working to enrich the visitor experience using modern interactive technologies, especially for youth, and providing an integrated educational and entertainment experience.
The meeting addressed other developments in tourism and commercial projects, including: developing the tourism transportation system for Misr Tourism, increasing reliance on e-marketing for tourist trips, developing a number of tourist restaurants to improve service efficiency and attract more visitors, developing branches of domestic trade companies independently and in partnership with the private sector, investing in the wood-plastic industry through the Commercial Wood Company, and residential and commercial projects for El Maamoura Company, including the "Raqia" project in the Ibrahimiyya area of Alexandria. The meeting was attended by Mohamed Maged El-Menshawy, Chairman of the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels, and Amr Attia, Executive Managing Director of the Holding Company.
The Minister concluded the meeting by emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to implementing an ambitious plan aimed at investing the assets owned by subsidiary companies in the best economic way and building integrated, competitive tourism projects in partnership with the private sector, supporting the national economy, creating job opportunities, and enhancing Egypt's position on the global tourism map. He also emphasized the importance of developing human resources and expanding economically viable investment activities, emphasizing that the sector's investment portfolio management aims to maximize returns and improve tourism services and programs in accordance with international standards