Egypt’s participation aligns with its efforts to attract tourists from Arab countries
Dubai-UAE: – During his participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 in Dubai, and the inaugural of Egypt’s pavilion, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted the country’s credentials as an ideal destination for holidaymakers looking for a safe travel experience as the world continues to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Emphasizing Egypt’s tremendous tourism potential, the Minister provided an overview of the country’s comprehensive action plan for safe tourism and infrastructure development, as well as its diverse tourist attractions – from lively and sunny beach resorts to newly opened museums, archeological projects and, recent important discoveries.
Egypt Pavilion at ATM, showcases the country’s safe tourist offerings, as well as opportunities for business, medical, adventure, leisure, spiritual, cultural, archaeological and other types of tourism. Through its participation in the event, the Ministry seeks to connect with travel and tourism stakeholders from across the Arab world, exchange experience, and explore opportunities for collaboration to boost mutual tourism with the aim of addressing the urgent need to revitalize the sector.
Located in Sheikh Saeed Hall 2, the 305 sq m pavilion presents 14 exhibitors, including EGYPTAIR, hotels, and tourism companies. Two giant screens are showing promotional videos of Egypt’s iconic tourist sites and footage from special events, such as the recent Pharaohs’ Golden Parade in Cairo.
Over the past few months, Egypt has witnessed a significant increase in inbound tourism. Since the resumption of international tourism in July 2020 till now, it has welcomed 3 million tourists from more than 20 countries (1,8 million since January 2021). Currently, around 17,500 tourists a day arrive, 65% of them at airports located in touristic coastal cities such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, which have consistently reported one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the world.
Speaking at the event, Dr. El-Enany said: “ATM provides a perfect platform to capture the attention of visitors from the Arab region – one of the most important tourist markets for Egypt that accounted more than 20 percent of inbound tourism pre-COVID-19. In addition to the proximity factor, pleasant weather all year round, and distinctive tourist attractions, Arab tourists feel at home in our country due to our shared language, culture, and customs. And of course, this feeling is mutually shared by Egyptians. ”
He added: “Since the coronavirus outbreak, we have implemented stringent regulations to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. In recognition of our efforts, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has granted Egypt its Safe Travels stamp.”
In closing, he said: “Egypt boasts a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, history, and culture. Its favorable climate, plentiful sunlight, fresh air, and abundance of open spaces in popular tourist spots, in addition to the robust precautionary measures in place, have contributed to a notable rise in tourist numbers, especially since beginning 2021. We look forward to welcoming a steady influx of visitors in the coming months and having them enjoy the many attractions our country has to offer.”
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has issued the Regulations for the Resumption of Tourism to Egypt that are applicable to all tourist facilities across the country. Hygiene Safety Certificates are a pre-requisite for hospitality establishments, airlines, airports, archeological sites, and museums to receive visitors. All workers in the tourism sector have undergone compulsory COVID-19 awareness training. The country has also launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive for all employees in the tourism sector, with most of the tourism staff in South Sinai and Red Sea governorates, the two top tourist destinations, are vaccinated (other touristic governorates will follow).
Furthermore, Egypt has introduced temporary incentives with the aim of reviving its tourism and aviation sector, and motivating holidaymakers to consider the country for their next vacation. To achieve optimum value addition for everyone, Egypt is closely collaborating with industry partners, such as tour operators and airlines, in this regard.
In October 2021, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities plans to launch a three-year international promotional campaign that seeks to attract visitors from target markets to Egypt, and consolidate the country’s reputation as one of the leading global tourist destinations. Furthermore, we are planning to open new hotels and resorts, and many new museums, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking Giza pyramids.
Running from May 16 to 19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the 28th edition of ATM features exhibitors from 62 countries. Held under the theme ‘A new dawn for travel and tourism’, the global event is putting a spotlight on the latest COVID-19-related updates from around the world.