Egyptian Tourism Authority roadshow sets off in Jordan to bolster tourism relations

The delegation consists of high level officials from the ETA, Egyptian Chambers of Tourism, hotel federation and leading members of the travel trade who will meet their counterparts in Jordan to shed light on the latest developments in the field of tourism in Egypt.

"The spectacular investment from the Gulf in Egypt's tourism sector in Cairo, Alexandria, the Red Sea and North Coast over the last two years by Gulf investors is a powerful affirmation of the continued and growing importance of Egypt as a cultural capital for the Arab world and a richly attractive tourism destination for Gulf travellers," said ETA Chairman Amr El Ezabi.

"Egypt continues to be one of the world's most popular tourism destinations and a perennial favourite among Gulf Arab travellers and a home away from home for many. The real estate ownership reforms and attractive prices have encouraged many more Gulf Arabs to purchase holiday homes in Egypt and our burgeoning tourism infrastructure has drawn ever greater numbers to Egypt, which remains the entertainment capital of the Middle East" he added. The delegation will provide information on facilities available to investors.

The ETA will hold a press conference headed by Chairman Amr El Ezabi, on 24 June 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel in Amman to highlight the main goals of the visit and to reiterate Egypt's continued open invitation to tourists and investors in Jordan. Both press conferences will be followed by a reception and Gala dinner to be attended by high ranking officials from the tourism field in Jordan, travel trade and media. Egyptian singer, Mohamed Tharwat, will be performing songs from Egypt's rich musical heritage.

Mr. El Ezabi added, "the roadshow taking place in Jordan only demonstrates the special ties and relationship between both countries. Jordan market is of great importance to our country and Jordanian nationals are always welcome to Egypt regardless of the purpose of their visit whether it is for tourism or investment."

Regionally, Egypt has seen a powerful 12.9% rise in the number of visitors from the Middle East and North Africa, from 1.7 million in 2005 to 1.9 million in 2006. According to Egypt's Minister of Tourism, H.E. Zoheir Garranah, regional visitors now contribute around one in every five visitors to Egypt.

The roadshow was launched in Libya at the beginning of April and is ending with Jordan as the last destination for the Egyptian delegation. The roadshow delegation also visited other countries in the region including Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the last two months.

Arab tourism is a priority in the Egyptian tourist development plan as it constitutes about 21% percent of the total tourists coming to the country.