El-Sisi meets WTTC leaders as Egypt hosts Leadership event aboard Suez Canal cruise

CAIRO – 6 May 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with leaders of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as Egypt prepares to host the council’s Leadership event aboard a cruise transiting the Suez Canal this week.

During the meeting, WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said the Leadership event will bring together 270 senior executives and representatives of leading global travel and tourism companies, according to a statement from the Presidency.

He noted that the cruise will pass through the Suez Canal and several Egyptian cities and ports, stressing that the event sends a strong message of confidence in Egypt’s diverse tourism potential.

Lefebvre added that the event highlights Egypt’s stable environment, ongoing efforts to develop the tourism sector, and its success in attracting increasing numbers of tourists and investments.

He described Egypt as one of the world’s most compelling destinations.

 

President El-Sisi welcomed Egypt’s selection to host the event, saying it reflects strong confidence in the country’s tourism capabilities.

He also affirmed Egypt’s readiness to host more WTTC events and provide all necessary support.

The meeting was attended by WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, and US Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism Nick Adams.

Senior executives including Audrey Hendley of American Express Travel, Paolo Barletta of Arsenale S.p.A., and Ayhan Bektaş of Coral Travel Group were also present.

The WTTC Leadership event will take place from May 6 to 9 aboard the Crystal Serenity, hosted by the Egyptian government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Travel Group, and Abercrombie & Kent.

The programme will convene ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders from Egypt and global markets to discuss accelerating recovery in the travel and tourism sector through closer coordination between governments and the private sector.

It is expected to highlight confidence in the Middle East amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, while reinforcing tourism’s role as a driver of stability and economic growth.

The agenda will also spotlight Egypt’s long-term tourism strategy and investment priorities, underscoring its position as a leading global destination.

“Egypt remains one of the world’s most compelling destinations and a perfect one to host this WTTC Leadership Cruise,” Lefebvre said during the event announcement in late April.

 

During the meeting, El-Sisi called for strengthening cooperation with WTTC to support tourism growth and sustainability, reaffirming Egypt’s goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually.

He stressed that maintaining stability, security, and safety is essential, a point appreciated by the delegation, which thanked him for his efforts to promote regional stability.

US envoy Nick Adams conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump, highlighting Washington’s desire to increase tourism flows between the two countries.