Assem El-Gazzar, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, presided over the meeting of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Tourism Development on September 26, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Housing headquarters in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) and was attended by several ministers, governors, council members, and representatives from the Central Auditing Organization. Both physical presence and video conference technology were utilized for participation.

El-Gazzar informed the attendees about approving the final accounts for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023. Additionally, various topics related to tourism development projects were discussed, aiming to accelerate growth rates in this vital and significant sector.

During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted on the total number of opened hotel and tourism capacities in the Authority’s designated tourism development areas. From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, a total of 2,911 hotel rooms and 5,085 tourism units were established in the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Al Ain El Sokhna regions.

Furthermore, the meeting covered technical reviews and approvals for 512 tourism and service projects in the Gulf of Aqaba and Nabq, Red Sea, Ain Sokhna, and Ras Sidr regions. A total of 440 environmental assessment studies were reviewed, and studies for tourism development projects and associated infrastructure, marine works, beach beautification, and flood protection works were completed.

The Authority also obtained 47 environmental approvals from the Environmental Affairs Agency and 30 approvals from the Supreme Licensing Committee for tourism projects and marine activities.