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 recentlyin 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 positionitself 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.
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Geography's Unique Perspective
With beaches spanning almost 2.4 kilometres across theMediterranean 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 Baymarina 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, themost 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 the essentialyacht permissions and licences, 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 metre, the new laws setdaily mooring rates between $4 and $14 per metre of vessel length. Charges are applicable to yachts 10 meters in length and above.
In order to promote tourist ports and marinas and increaseleisure travel, the Ministry of Transport is also working with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
A client's point of view
Egypt is home to a large boating community. Economicallyspeaking, naval tourism is a source of incoming foreign exchange.
According to former Tourism Minister Khaled El Anany, yachttourists spend on average 94% more than the average tourist.
Some of the most popular yacht tourism destinations in theworld include Croatian Islands, Greek Islands, St. Tropez and the Caribbean. The turquoise seas and isolated beaches that characterise 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 to government initiatives, accompanying economic advantages, and its distinctive geographic location.
Different tourist attractions, including those for spiritualand religious travel, cultural and archaeological travel, resort and desert travel, may be found across Egypt. Both residents and tourists find Egypt to be a desirable travel destination.
