Tourism is one of the strongest drivers of economic development and cultural exchange, and both Egypt and Bosnia and Herzegovina see untapped opportunities for closer cooperation. In an exclusive interview with Sarajevo Times, Sherif Fathi Attia, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted how stronger tourism and cultural ties can bring economic growth, deepen mutual understanding, and build lasting bridges between the two nations.
“There is significant untapped potential for expanding tourist flows between our two countries, and we should be working on different approaches using different tactics such as organising joint tourism forums, familiarization trips (FAM Trips), media and influencer engagement, hosting strategic tourism events, joint workshops and capacity building,” minister started the interview.
“Both Egypt and Bosnia and Herzegovina can benefit greatly from strengthening cooperation in this sector,” he noted, adding that such initiatives would unlock the significant potential that remains untapped between the two countries.
In recent years, between 10,000 and 12,000 Bosnian tourists have visited Egypt annually. While the Red Sea resorts remain the most popular destinations, the Minister emphasized Egypt’s commitment to diversifying the experiences it offers. Guided by the national slogan “Egypt… Unmatched Diversity,” the country is positioning itself as a destination that goes far beyond beaches and diving.
“Bosnian visitors can immerse themselves in our cultural and historical heritage through journeys in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria – home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments. They can enjoy Nile cruises that combine relaxation with exploration, experience our vibrant cities through cuisine, arts, and culture, or embark on desert safaris and eco-tourism adventures,” Attia explained adding that tourists can enjoy personalized Nile cruises that combine relaxation with heritage exploration and experience the energy and vibrancy of Egyptian urban life through cultural, culinary, and artistic offerings in the major cities.
“For those seeking adventure, Egypt offers desert safaris, eco-tourism in oases and protected areas, and spiritual journeys that highlight Egypt’s Islamic, Coptic, and early Christian heritage. Equally unforgettable is the hospitality of the Egyptian people. Visitors consistently speak of the warmth and generosity they encounter, from spontaneous invitations to share a home-cooked meal, to celebrations and community gatherings that turn into lifelong memories,” minister explained.
“By expanding the narrative of what Egypt has to offer and promoting a wider range of destinations and experiences, we are confident in our ability to attract more Bosnian visitors and provide them with a richer, more varied, and deeply memorable experience of Egypt,” he added.
Equally important, minister pointed out, is the renowned hospitality of the Egyptian people. “Visitors often leave with stories of spontaneous invitations to share a meal or celebrations that turn into lifelong memories. This warmth is part of what makes Egypt unique,” said the Minister.
Turning to cultural cooperation, Attia stressed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the preservation of cultural and archaeological heritage. With extensive experience in antiquities conservation, site management, museum development, and digital documentation, Egypt sees great potential for collaboration through training, workshops, and expert exchanges. “Such cooperation would not only strengthen professional capacity but also serve as a bridge of cultural diplomacy between our two nations,” he affirmed.
“There is significant potential for partnership through a variety of channels, including capacity-building workshops, specialized training programs, and the exchange of experts and technical knowledge. Such cooperation could encompass key areas such as archaeological site management, museum curation and development, conservation techniques, digital documentation, and community engagement in heritage preservation. Egypt stands ready to share its extensive experience and best practices in these fields, not only as part of our professional commitment, but also in the spirit of mutual understanding and cultural diplomacy. We see this as a valuable opportunity to deepen the ties between our two countries through shared responsibility and collaboration in safeguarding the cultural legacy of our peoples and humanity as a whole,” minister explained.
The Minister also underscored the importance of Islamic heritage as a shared value between Egypt and Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Egypt has a long-standing legacy in documenting, restoring, and managing Islamic heritage. We would be pleased to share our expertise with Bosnia and Herzegovina through bilateral initiatives such as joint research, professional exchanges, and collaborative exhibitions. By working together to protect our shared heritage, we not only preserve history but also strengthen the bonds between our peoples,” he said.
Minister added that Egypt would be pleased to share the expertise and technical know-how in this field through bilateral cooperation initiatives, including training programs for heritage professionals, joint research projects, exchange of specialists, and collaborative exhibitions, as well as initiatives that support the safeguarding of both tangible and intangible aspects of Islamic culture.
“We see immense value in extending such collaborative models to our engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. By working together to protect and promote our shared Islamic heritage, we not only preserve history, but also build bridges between our peoples through cultural diplomacy and mutual respect. Egypt stands ready to support any initiatives in this regard and welcomes deeper cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina in protecting our common heritage for future generations” he concluded.
On the question of connectivity, Attia acknowledged that direct travel remains a challenge. Currently, only limited charter flights link Sarajevo and Banja Luka to Hurghada, while indirect flights connect Sarajevo with Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh. “Facilitating regular direct routes should be a priority for both governments and the private sector if we truly want to increase the flow of tourism,” the Minister stated.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the future of relations between Egypt and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Closer tourism and cultural cooperation, he argued, will create tangible benefits for both societies. “Strengthening our ties will bring new economic opportunities, enrich cultural understanding, and foster stronger people-to-people connections. Joint festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events, together with stronger aviation links, could transform our cooperation into a model of partnership built on mutual respect and shared heritage,” Attia explained.
Egypt is also open to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in preserving its cultural heritage through capacity-building programs, technical training, and knowledge exchange. In particular, there is strong potential for cooperation in safeguarding Islamic heritage and using modern technologies for documentation and conservation.
“Such efforts not only support professional development but also build lasting bonds between our nations through shared appreciation and protection of cultural identity,” minister concluded.
At a Glance: Egypt–BiH Tourism and Cultural Cooperation
- Tourism flows: 10,000 – 12,000 Bosnian tourists visit Egypt each year; efforts underway to increase numbers.
- Beyond the Red Sea: Egypt promotes diverse experiences – Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Nile cruises, desert safaris, eco-tourism, and Islamic, Coptic, and early Christian heritage.
- Hospitality: Visitors highlight Egyptians’ warmth and spontaneous community spirit as part of the country’s unique appeal.
- Cultural cooperation: Egypt offers expertise in antiquities preservation, museum curation, digital documentation, and conservation techniques to support BiH.
- Islamic heritage: Strong potential for joint projects, professional exchanges, and exhibitions to safeguard shared traditions.
- Connectivity: Limited charter flights from Sarajevo and Banja Luka to Hurghada; more direct routes seen as a key priority.
- Future outlook: Joint festivals, exhibitions, tourism forums, and stronger flight links could transform Egypt – BiH ties into a model of cultural diplomacy and economic growth.
