As part of the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) regional efforts to promote tourism in the Arab world, Amr El Ezabi, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) is leading an Egyptian roadshow delegation to Bahrain from 8 to 11 May 2007. 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 Bahrain to shed light on the latest developments in the field of tourism in Egypt. The ETA is also participating in the Bahrain International Travel Exhibition (BITE) 2007.
“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 the rules and regulations governing entry of tourists into Egypt as well as facilities available to investors.
As part of the roadshow and during BITE 2007, the ETA Chairman, Amr El Ezabi headed a press conference on 8 May 2007 to highlight the main goals of the visit and to reiterate Egypt’s continued open invitation to tourists and investors from Bahrain.
A reception and Gala dinner will take place in the evening of the 10th of May at the Gulf Hotel to be attended by high ranking officials from the tourism field in Bahrain, travel trade and media. Egyptian singer, Mohamed Tharwat, will be performing songs from Egypt’s rich musical heritage.
Mr. El Ezabi added, “this is not the first time that the roadshow takes place in Bahrain which only demonstrates the special ties and relationship between both countries. Bahrain market is of great importance to our country and Bahraini 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, 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 will end on the 25th of June. Bahrain is the fourth destination for the roadshow delegation that will head to other countries in the region including Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan over the next month.
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.
