India and Egypt to boost tourism and cultural ties
20 April 2007
An Egyptian tourism delegation led by Mr. Amr El Egaby Chairman, Egyptian Tourism Authority called on Minister of Tourism and Culture Smt. Ambika Soni here today. During their half-an-hour meeting, the Egyptian side lauded the Incredible India Campaign and efforts of the Union Tourism Ministry to spread social awareness about preservation and cleanliness of cities and historical monuments for domestic tourists. Smt. Ambika Soni recalling the age old historical and cultural relations between the two countries said there is a tremendous potential in India and Egypt to promote places of historical importance and tourist destinations in each other’s country. Mr. Amr El Egaby said his country would be happy to know the process how Forts and Havelis have been converted into Heritage Hotels in India. He also offered Egyptian expertise in the field of monument preservation. The Egyptian side also suggested twinning of the cities between India and Egypt as the two countries have many similarities on historical destinations. Smt. Soni welcomed the idea and said to step forward in this direction profiles of different cities should be provided to each other to identify the right matches.
Earlier, the third meeting of the Joint Working Group on tourism was held between India and Egypt here yesterday. It was viewed by both sides that increase in the flow of tourism would further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. It was agreed to establish a programme to exchange visits of tour operators and travel media to motivate consumers in both countries to travel to the other country. Both sides informed each other about the investment opportunities available in their countries in the tourism sector. It was agreed that growing opportunities should be showcased to attract investments from the private stakeholders.
Egyptian side was briefed on the facilities available in India for Human Resource Development in travel and hospitality sector. It was agreed by both sides to establish an exchange programme for students and faculties to enhance cooperation by developing partnership programmes between leading academic institutions in the tourism sector of both countries.
Both sides expressed willingness to assist the NTO’s/Tourism Boards of each other’s country in carrying out promotion and marketing activities to increase the tourism traffic between the two countries. Both the countries agreed to formulate an action plan for promotion and marketing of their destinations in each other’s country.
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Indian Ministry of Tourism and Culture