Egypt’s Aviation Leaders on Forbes Top 100 Travel & Tourism List for 2024

Forbes Middle East has released its annual list of the top 100 leaders shaping the region’s travel and tourism landscape, covering aviation, hotels, destinations, and tourism development authorities.  

The list recognises leaders based in the MENA region, with rankings determined by a comprehensive criteria set including business size, asset ownership, industry experience, and influence within the sector, according to Forbes.

Notably, Egypt claims nearly 10% of the total featured leaders. EGYPTAIR Holding Company’s Chairman and GCEO, Eng. Yehia Zakaria, was listed at number 46, coinciding with the company’s 92nd anniversary.

The airline via X (formely Twitter) remarked, “His visionary leadership has propelled EGYPTAIR to new heights, expanding our global presence to 79 destinations in 52 countries.” 

Other recognised leaders include Captain Ahmed Shanan (Chairman and CEO) of Air Cairo (69th).

One of the few women featured is Habiba Laklalech (General Director) of the Moroccan Airports Authority ONDA (32nd).

Additionally, Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national air carrier, was listed at number 40.