Egypt: A Global Yacht Tourism Destination?
Every area of Egypt is rich in culture and legacy, from the Nile and the turquoise seas of the shore to the temples, tombs, palaces, and museums. Egypt is a major tourist destination.
Egypt has increased its attempts to market itself as a developing nautical tourism destination. The Mediterranean Sea, where more than 30,000 yachts cruise, is recognized as a major hub for yachting tourism worldwide, according to the State Information Services (SIS).
Egypt has started a number of marketing initiatives recently in an effort to grow its tourist industry. It is estimated that more than EGP 30 million (USD 22 billion) was added to Egypt's gross domestic production (GDP) due to travel and tourism in 2021 alone.
In the same vein, Egypt has developed plans to position itself as an emerging destination for nautical tourism, capitalizing on the nautical tourism projects proposed by the Egyptian government. In order to draw international boats to Egyptian ports, the Higher Ministerial Committee created a plan to promote yacht tourism globally at the beginning of September 2022.
Geography's Unique Perspective
With beaches spanning almost 2.4 kilometers across the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, Egypt is in a special geographic position. Its islands are also home to renowned diving locations and hotspots for water sports, making them desirable travel destinations.
Egypt now has 23 marinas and berths, including the Naama Bay marina in Sharm el-Sheikh, the Abu Tig marina in El-Gouna, the marina in Hurghada, and the Taba Heights marina, which can house up to 50 boats and offer maintenance services for them, which can accommodate 188 yachts at a time.
Additionally, there are two marinas: Marassi Marina, the most recent addition, which can handle more than 260 yachts, and Porto Marina, the first international yacht marina in eastern North Africa and located on the north coast. In New Alamein, the state is seeking to construct an international port as well as other marinas.
Egypt also plans to establish its first yacht “green marina” powered by renewable energy, planned to cover an area of 25,000 square meters, with a capacity to accommodate 65 yachts. There are three marinas along the canal path, including Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez, according to Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority.
The perspective of government efforts
For the management, creation, and issuance of essential yacht permissions and licenses, the Ministry of Transport has established its first digital website. Yacht owners may submit required paperwork, pay a set rate for state-owned berths, get bills, etc. using the online site.
With longer boats paying more per meter, the new laws set daily mooring rates between $4 and $14 per meter of vessel length. Charges are applicable to yachts 10 meters in length and above.
In order to promote tourist ports and marinas and increase leisure travel, the Ministry of Transport is also working with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.Related Articles:
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A client's point of view
Egypt is home to a large boating community. Economically speaking, naval tourism is a source of incoming foreign exchange.
According to former Tourism Minister Khaled El Anany, yacht tourists spend on average 94% more than the average tourist.
Some of the most popular yacht tourism destinations in the world include Croatian Islands, Greek Islands, St. Tropez, and the Caribbean. The turquoise seas and isolated beaches that characterize all of these lovely locations are a common feature, and Egypt has several of these picturesque locations. Egypt is positioned to eventually become a popular yachting destination on a worldwide scale because of government initiatives, accompanying economic advantages, and its distinctive geographic location.
Different tourist attractions, including those for spiritual and religious travel, cultural and archaeological travel, and resort and desert travel, may be found across Egypt. Both residents and tourists find Egypt to be a desirable travel destination.
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