Egypt Secures Gold Award for Culture and Heritage at Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
On November 4th, Egypt was honored with the prestigious Gold Award for culture and heritage during the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The accolade, determined by the readers of the British travel magazine, comes as the country experiences unprecedented growth in tourism.
Celebration of Excellence in Tourism
Ahmed Yousry, the chief executive of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board, accepted the award at the Painted Hall in Greenwich. The event was well-attended, attracting approximately 500 travel industry professionals.
Impressive Reader Engagement
More than 250,000 readers participated in the voting process, resulting in an extraordinary total of 8.2 million votes, as reported by Wanderlust. The magazine highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum for its impressive exhibition of Egypt’s ancient treasures. Costa Rica was recognized as the most desirable destination outside Europe, while Spain claimed the title for European travel.
Keynote Address by Prince Harry
During the ceremony, Prince Harry delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the responsibility of the travel industry to safeguard the cultural sites it relies on. He also announced that Wanderlust has joined the affiliate network of Travalyst, a sustainable travel initiative he established in 2019.
Significance of the Award for Egypt’s Heritage
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, remarked that the award serves as a testament to the nation’s rich heritage, its extensive museums, and ongoing restoration efforts aimed at preserving historical sites for future generations. Yousry stated that this recognition would bolster campaigns targeting both first-time and returning visitors.
Tourism Growth in Egypt
The award arrives at a time of significant achievement for Egyptian tourism, with a record number of 19 million visitors recorded in 2025. In the first nine months of 2026, the country welcomed 14.4 million tourists, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. The Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened in November 2025, has already attracted over 6.5 million visitors.
Future Aspirations for Tourism
Officials are now focused on strategies to encourage travelers to extend their stays and increase their spending, with an ambitious goal of attracting 30 million annual visitors by 2030.
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