Egypt Advances Smart Tourism with Digital Heritage Platform and Enhanced Site Connectivity

In a significant step toward advancing Egypt’s digital transformation and preserving its cultural legacy, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)  and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities have signed two cooperation protocols to digitize the nation’s archaeological heritage and improve telecommunications infrastructure across archaeological sites and museums. The signing ceremony, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum, was attended by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Mr. Sherif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, along with senior officials from both ministries.

The first protocol, signed by Eng. Raafat Hindi, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Infrastructure Development and Digital Transformation, and Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, establishes the “Egypt Digital Heritage Portal Project.” The initiative aims to digitize and archive Egypt’s extensive archaeological records and artifacts, making them accessible through a unified digital platform for researchers, scholars, and the public. This digital portal will serve as an online gateway to Egypt’s historical and cultural treasures, ensuring their preservation for future generations while promoting international academic collaboration.

The second protocol, signed by Eng. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Deputy Executive for National Projects at the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), and Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, focuses on enhancing communication services at archaeological sites and museums across Egypt. The agreement includes plans to improve mobile coverage, expand network infrastructure, and ensure high-quality digital connectivity at key heritage locations. These efforts will be implemented in cooperation with licensed telecom operators under strict technical and environmental guidelines to preserve the visual and cultural integrity of the sites.

A joint executive committee will oversee the implementation of both protocols, prioritizing work and ensuring seamless coordination between the two ministries. Dr. Talaat emphasized that the agreements reflect the Egyptian state’s commitment to leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) in preserving national heritage and improving the visitor experience at archaeological destinations. He noted that digital transformation in the tourism and cultural sectors will not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote Egypt’s leadership in heritage preservation and cultural tourism.

Mr. Fathi affirmed that this collaboration aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ strategy to integrate modern technology into heritage management. The initiative supports the digitization of archives, manuscripts, and collections, enabling better access for researchers and ensuring long-term preservation of Egypt’s invaluable cultural assets. The enhanced telecommunications infrastructure will also improve the quality of services for tourists, enriching their experience at archaeological and historical sites.

Eng. Raafat Hindi highlighted that the Egypt Digital Heritage Portal Project is a cornerstone of Egypt’s broader digital strategy. By using ICT to support the cultural economy, the initiative contributes to expanding Egypt’s digital content ecosystem and reinforcing its leadership in heritage digitization across the region.

According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the portal project will span three years, during which a specialized committee from the Supreme Council of Antiquities will curate and digitize selected content in coordination with MCIT. All digital materials will adhere to strict intellectual property protection standards.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, Executive Director of the Grand Egyptian Museum; Dr. Huda Baraka, Advisor to the Minister of Communications for Technological Skills Development; and Dr. Hisham El-Deeb, Head of the Digital Heritage Hub. Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities included Mrs. Rana Johar, Advisor for Communications and Foreign Relations, and Dr. Mohamed Shaaban, Deputy Minister for Digital Services.

These agreements mark a major milestone in Egypt’s journey toward becoming a global leader in digital heritage preservation and smart tourism, combining innovation, technology, and cultural stewardship to safeguard the treasures of ancient Egypt for generations to come.