Egypt and Djibouti sign memorandum of understanding to boost tourism cooperation

Egypt and Djibouti signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Tuesday.

The agreement, signed in Cairo by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy and Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism Orbis Hiilaf Orbis, covers joint tourism marketing, investment in tourism activities, and hospitality training. Both countries agreed to appoint liaison officers to oversee the execution of the memorandum, with a particular focus on exchanging expertise in hotel management.

During the meeting, which was attended by Djibouti’s Ambassador to Cairo Ahmed Ali Bari, the ministers discussed wider knowledge exchange across the tourism and antiquities sectors. These discussions encompassed capacity building, museum establishment and management, archaeological restoration, excavation work, and the management of services at heritage sites.

The officials also reviewed a proposal to establish a twinning arrangement between the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh and Djibouti City, aimed at capitalising on the tourism potential of both destinations and facilitating the exchange of expertise.

Fathy emphasised the importance of continued coordination between the two nations to rapidly implement the agreed areas of cooperation.

Orbis expressed his objective to increase bilateral tourism traffic, noting that Egypt’s national carrier, EgyptAir, currently operates three weekly flights to Djibouti.