Egypt’s Tourism Promotion Board opened pavilions at Hung Expo in Budapest and the International Fair of Tourism in Belgrade to court tour operators from Hungary and Serbia. Dr. Ahmed Yousry, the board’s CEO, called the events central to a push for more visitors from the region.

“These exhibitions provide a vital platform to engage with international tour operators, travel agencies, and industry partners,” Yousry said. The board aims to build on rising demand with targeted campaigns highlighting pharaonic ruins, Red Sea resorts and Nile cruises.

In Budapest, Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy cut the ribbon on Egypt’s 50-square-meter stand at Hung Expo. The pavilion featured hotels, tourism firms and three airlines, including EgyptAir. Organizers reported 650 exhibitors from 30 countries and 27,000 visitors overall.

Judges awarded the Egyptian display the “Best Design and Permanent Partner” prize. EgyptAir supported the effort with new direct Cairo-Budapest flights, easing access for Hungarian travelers who flock to the country’s beaches.

Hungary ranks high among Egypt’s European tourism sources. Officials noted the pavilion’s displays of Luxor temples and Sharm El-Sheikh dives sparked strong interest from local agencies.

Across the border in Belgrade, Ambassador Ahmed Salama Soliman and Consul General Wael Ibrahim Shehata inaugurated a similarly sized pavilion at the IFT. Designers styled it in Pharaonic motifs with golden accents and hieroglyphs, pulling in crowds of Serbian professionals.

The delegation met tour operators for B2B talks on joint marketing and package tours. Topics included charter flights and promotions for family vacations to Hurghada or cultural trips to the pyramids.

Serbia shows untapped potential, according to Yousry. Egypt seeks to replicate Hungary’s success, where beach holidays draw tens of thousands yearly.

The fairs fit a broader strategy. The ministry eyes Eastern Europe after record arrivals from Russia and Poland. Egypt hosted 14.9 million tourists in 2023, targeting 30 million by decade’s end.

Promotions stressed variety: scuba in the Red Sea, hikes in Sinai, history in Cairo. Videos looped on screens, while staff handed out brochures in local languages.

EgyptAir’s flight expansion highlights commitment. The carrier now runs four weekly round-trips to Budapest, up from seasonal service. Serbian routes could follow if talks advance.

Industry partners praised the pavilions’ polish. One Hungarian operator told board staff he planned Egypt-focused itineraries for next winter. Serbian firms eyed group deals for Alexandria’s libraries and Aswan’s temples.

The events wrap up soon. Organizers expect deals to boost Egypt’s profile ahead of peak season.