Rixos Hotels Chairman Fettah Tamince delivered an enlightening presentation on the keys to success in the tourism industry at the Africa Tourism Forum held in the renowned tourist destination of Sharm El-Sheikh,
The African Tourism Forum, organized by the GM Fuarcılık, brought together hundreds of tourism professionals from more than 20 countries.
In the forum, President of Rixos Hotels, Fettah Tamince, delivered a speech titled "Creating and Marketing Destinations,". Tamince emphasized that tourism contributes 10 percent to global employment and serves as a bridge for peace, multiculturalism, and fulfilling people's dreams. "Tourism is about the fusion of cultures, making people happy, and fostering friendships. We are fortunate to be in this sector," he remarked.
Addressing climate change
Tamince highlighted climate change as one of the most pressing global threats, urging the tourism sector to act with foresight. He stressed the importance of preserving tourism destinations, citing Paris and Venice as exemplary cities that have succeeded by educating their citizens and protecting their history, cities, and cultures.
Global tourism landscape
Tamince discussed the entry of various countries like Türkiye, Greece, and the UAE into the tourism market, noting their rich natural and historical assets. He asserted that every country has unique tourism potential and can join the game with the right infrastructure investments. He mentioned that countries like Türkiye, Egypt, and Greece have already secured their spots on the tourism map.
Here is the key takeaways from Tamince’s speech
Identify Your Source Markets: Successful tourism hinges on knowing your target markets and aligning infrastructure accordingly.
Public-Private Collaboration: Tamince emphasized the success seen when public and private sectors collaborate. He cited his investments across 14-15 countries, noting that such partnerships are essential for successful destinations.
Adaptation to Climate Change: The future of many destinations depends on climate conditions. Hence, there is a need for tourism structures that can operate throughout the year.
Beyond Seasonality: Sustainable tourism cannot rely on seasonality. Destinations must develop programming, new concepts, sports events, festivals, and hiking trails to attract tourists year-round.
Destination Creation: Meticulous planning and programming are crucial. Investment in marketing should be matched with investment in training staff, as details, programming, and friendly, well-trained personnel play a significant role in guest retention.
Economic and Cultural Impact: Tourism supports local economies, provides employment, and fosters a multicultural world, bringing people and societies closer together.
Rixos as a destination
Tamince shared insights from his own experience, stating that Rixos has always been seen as a destination within a destination. He pointed out that many people knew Rixos even if they were unfamiliar with the city of Belek. This highlights the importance of creating a strong brand presence.
Egypt’s tourism potential
Highlighting Egypt's rich history and year-round tourism potential, Tamince described it as one of the top countries solely built for tourism. He stressed that Egypt's tourism sector contributes $13 billion to its economy and has vast untapped potential with a large, youthful workforce.
Tamince concluded by stating that Egypt deserves far more than its current 15 million visitors annually, advocating for a target of 60 million visitors to fully realize its tourism capabilities.
