Egypt sets new rules for licensing holiday apartments to boost tourism safety

Egypt’s tourism and labour ministers signed a protocol on Wednesday setting conditions for licensing holiday apartments, part of efforts to raise service quality and safety standards in the sector.

Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy and Labour Minister Mohamed Gibran said the agreement aims to improve protection for both workers and guests, according to a Cabinet statement.

Under the protocol, the labour ministry is authorised to verify compliance with occupational safety and health requirements for employees and tourists alike, in line with existing laws and regulations. Inspections will be carried out by a joint committee that includes representatives from the tourism ministry and the labour ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The inspections will follow specifications set out in an April ministerial decree on licensing conditions for “holiday apartments.”

The ministers said the initiative will strengthen Egypt’s competitiveness as a tourist destination and support government plans to expand accommodation capacity amid rising visitor numbers.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser