MENALAC Prepares for "Focus on Egypt" Event
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Loading... - Jasper Cobus
- 10 Dec 2024
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As Egypt stands at a pivotal juncture in its economic development, driven by significant infrastructure projects, the entertainment sector is poised to play a crucial role in the country’s growth plans. With a diverse range of offerings—from ancient sites and Nile cruises to modern attractions like Ski Egypt and Extreme Land—the leisure and entertainment market in Egypt is dynamic and set for further expansion.
The country is also on the verge of unveiling several new landmarks, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and Cairo Eye. Additionally, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital is planning a large entertainment district that will feature theme parks, cinemas, performance spaces, and shopping malls, aiming to create a new hub for leisure and recreation outside of Cairo.
In this context, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is set to host its flagship event, "Focus on Egypt," on December 10 and 11, 2024, at the Federation of Egypt Chamber of Commerce (FEDCOC) headquarters in New Cairo. Under the patronage of HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister of Egypt, this two-day program is designed to spotlight the substantial growth opportunities that Egypt offers for the MENA leisure and entertainment sector.
Alwalid Al Baltan, President of MENALAC, emphasized the importance of Egypt’s strategic focus on enhancing its entertainment and hospitality offerings as a key driver of economic growth and diversification. “It’s an opportune time for MENALAC to host the inaugural edition of ‘Focus on Egypt,’ reinforcing our commitment to tapping into the growth prospects of the MENA leisure and entertainment landscape. We are eager to collaborate with the governments of other MENA countries as well. Our partnership with the Egypt Chamber of Commerce will undoubtedly create pathways for future roadshows in other emerging markets, contributing to the regional leisure and entertainment industry’s growth.”
Ahmad El Wakil, President of the Egypt Chamber of Commerce, commented on the partnership, stating, “Our government is actively promoting the development of the leisure and entertainment sector through various initiatives and incentives aimed at boosting investment opportunities in this largely untapped market segment. From promoting cultural and entertainment projects as part of Egypt Vision 2030 to the launch of the Tourism Reform Program in 2020, which modernizes tourism infrastructure, several initiatives have been implemented. Additionally, the government has simplified business start-up procedures and offers tax breaks and other incentives to potential investors. We are also encouraging partnerships between public and private sector entities to develop and manage leisure and entertainment facilities.”
The "Focus on Egypt" event will feature keynote sessions and panel discussions aimed at showcasing investment and growth opportunities in Cairo, highlighting areas for collaboration. Attendees will have the chance to network and explore Cairo’s exciting leisure and entertainment offerings through "MENALAC Explores" conducted tours. The conference will also include three panel discussions focused on health and safety, family entertainment centers (FECs), and waterparks.
Expected attendees include Egyptian government authorities, global and local investors, leisure and entertainment operators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, hospitality service providers, creative agencies, and media representatives. The "Focus on Egypt" event promises to bring together public and private sector entities under one roof to explore collaboration opportunities for expanding the industry.
Davide Camaiora, Head of MENALAC Events, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “At MENALAC, we are always looking for opportunities to add new events to our roster, as evidenced by the variety and number of events we host each year. We are extremely excited about launching ‘Focus on Egypt’ as our first event to establish our presence and credibility in a large market like Egypt. We believe this is just the first step toward hosting more such events in North Africa.”
