Egypt is banking on the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Giza Pyramids, to reinvigorate its vital tourism industry after years of economic strain and regional instability. The $1 billion complex, which has been under construction for nearly two decades, is set to become the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said the museum, which will house more than 100,000 artifacts including the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, represents “a new chapter in Egypt’s cultural diplomacy and tourism development.” He added that the project aims to attract up to 15 million visitors annually once fully operational, according to Reuters.
Officials highlighted that the GEM’s strategic location, overlooking the Great Pyramids and just outside Cairo, positions it as a centerpiece for Egypt’s tourism revival plan. The Guardian reported that the museum’s modern architecture, interactive technology, and global partnerships could help Egypt reclaim its place as a top destination for cultural tourism.
The government hopes the project will boost revenues from one of its most important economic sectors, which generated over $13 billion in 2023, as stated in figures from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
