Cairo: Egypt is pinning high hopes on the opening of its long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, as it seeks to rejuvenate its tourism sector after years of challenges ranging from political unrest to global crises. The museum, one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, is set to officially open its doors this Saturday.
Spread across a massive 500,000 square meters, the GEM is expected to become a game-changer for Egypt’s tourism industry. Officials project the museum could attract up to 7 million additional tourists annually, potentially pushing total visitor numbers to 30 million by 2030.
The museum will showcase tens of thousands of ancient artefacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time. With immersive exhibits, virtual-reality installations, and modern design, the GEM marks a major shift from the more traditional exhibits of the old Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo.
A Boost for Egypt’s Fragile Economy
Tourism remains a critical source of foreign currency for Egypt, which relies on these earnings to fund key imports such as wheat and fuel. The sector, which saw revenues fall sharply after the 2011 revolution, has been gradually recovering. In 2024, Egypt recorded 15.7 million visitors, generating $15 billion in revenue—a significant rebound from the 2015/16 low of just $3.8 billion.
However, Egypt still lags behind competitors such as Turkey, which welcomed over 50 million visitors last year, earning more than $60 billion.
Tourism expert Ghada Abdelmoaty from the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels in Alexandria said the GEM’s scale makes the government’s visitor goals achievable. “Many of these artefacts were hidden away due to space constraints. The new museum gives them the visibility they deserve,” she noted.
Cultural Tourism in Focus
Egypt hopes to use the GEM’s global appeal to shift focus toward cultural tourism—visitors drawn by the country’s ancient heritage rather than its beaches. Experts say cultural tourists tend to stay longer and spend more, yet they currently account for only 10–15% of Egypt’s total international arrivals.
Remon Naguib, Chief Commercial Officer at Orient Hospitality Group, said his company is developing joint packages linking the museum with Red Sea destinations. “Visitors could spend a few days exploring Cairo’s heritage before relaxing at resorts like Ain Sukhna, just an hour away,” he said.
Infrastructure Overhaul Around Giza
In preparation for the museum’s grand opening, the Egyptian government has undertaken extensive infrastructure upgrades. Roads around Giza have been improved, and the entrance to the pyramids has been moved to ease congestion and limit the influence of street hawkers. A new airport, located roughly 25 kilometers from the GEM, has also been constructed to provide smoother access for international tourists.
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy recently announced that 5,000 new hotel rooms have been added across Egypt, with plans for an additional 9,000 rooms by the end of the year.
Economist Ragui Assaad from the University of Minnesota emphasized that the museum’s success depends on complementary development. “For the GEM to have the impact Egypt envisions, it must be supported by high-quality infrastructure—transport, hospitality, and visitor experience,” he said.
With regional instability and global economic pressures still posing risks, Egypt’s leadership hopes that the Grand Egyptian Museum will not only celebrate the nation’s rich past but also help secure its economic future.
