The ministry targets achieving top tourism rates by 2017
Egypt will witness significant changes in its healing tourism in the next few days
International Tourism Organisation declared Luxor the world’s capital of tourism by consensus
By Alaa Abdelwanis / photo credit Moharam fouad
Tourism Egypt’s is one of the sectors that contribute the most in boosting national income. Yet, amid all the recent political changes and made-up crises by some countries, the Egyptian tourism sector incurred massive losses. Some indicators, however, have raised hope that tourism is starting to go back on track.
In this regard, Middle East Observer interviewed Adviser of Tourism Minister omaima El-Husseiny to talk over the real situation, the ministry’s developmental role, and usage of modern technology to promote for tourism in Arab and western countries.Â
What does the tourism ministry do to improve Egypt’s image abroad and counter false media campaigns?  Â
The Ministry executes a lot, especially under the current circumstances. The ministry has a tough mission ahead of it, not because Egypt is chaotic or anything, like some claim, but there is a negative image held by many countries that there is much violence here and that we are still dealing with the repercussions of the revolution. In reality these are all just illusions, which make it harder for the Egyptian government to do its job. But, on the bright side, the ministry of tourism has launched promoting campaign, in cooperation with major PR and international relations companies to correct Egypt’s image in the eyes of the world. These companies focus on the countries that strictly ban travelling to Egypt, like UK and Russia. These efforts are positively reflected in Egypt chairing for the first time the executive board of the international tourism organisation. The decision was approved on May 9 by 50 states, who agreed as well to declare Luxor the world’s capital of tourism and hold their next meeting there.
What are the mechanisms adopted to solve the problems faced by investors in tourism?Â
Ministries of tourism and investment, along with other related governmental bodies share the responsibility of such problems. But, the current cabinet is one of Egypt’s best governments when in it comes to tackling whatever might hinder investors in all fields, not just tourism. Moreover, General Authority for Investment (GAFI) pledged to end all problems before investors, on top of which comes the single-window system.
Does the tourism ministry have a plan till 2020 to boost the sector and number of tourists?
Yes, indeed. Minister Yehia Rashid adopts a strategic 6*6 plan, i.e., 6 axes over 6 months, most important of which is training employees, turning to green energy, increasing number of tourists and improving infrastructure of hotels and resorts. We target receiving 10 million tourists by the end of 2017. Moreover, the plan will be carried out in partnership with several authorities.
The year 2010 was a golden one for Egyptian tourism, for nearly 15 million tourists visited Egypt, generating revenues of $13bn. Following 2011 revolution, tourism was severely harmed, reaching last year to 9 million visitors with $7bn revenues. We have lost important markets, most importantly Russia from which we receive 4 million tourists, followed by the UK and Germany. But, we are set out to end this.
Why does not Egypt seek out new promising markets?
The ministry has already conducted studies on such markets and is currently implementing them. But, most alternative markets do not conform to Egypt’s capabilities, but we would still work on them to be another arm for the Egyptian tourism. Moreover, they need new airlines, since aviation and tourism are inseparable. Some of these places are Latin America, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, which are very promising and have a high demand on Egyptian tourism, but lack airlines. This is where the need to the Egyptian Tourism Authority emerges. It will send an envoy on May 19 to such countries to inform its citizens of the Egyptian tourism, and to talk with airlines there over flying trips to Egypt.
How can we positively and efficiently invest in the Gulf tourism?
Gulf tourism is very important to Egypt, that’s why the ministry partook in the Arabian Travel Market that was held in Dubai last month. It agreed with new private airlines on several trips flying from Jeddah and Riyadh to Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurgada and Marsa Alam. The first flight is scheduled in Eid al-Fitr, to be followed by new trips from Kuwait and Jordan.
As for healing tourism, extensive efforts were exerted to embark on the project, but they were in vain, since that kind of tourism needs cooperation from ministry of health to provide specialized hospitals and staff, to be up to Poland, Turkey and Jordan. Egypt has many sites that are perfect for such type of tourism, like Safaga, the Red Sea and Bahariya Oasis, which need good marketing and a comprehensive tourism programmes. The minister is now considering this file, and there will be a pleasant signifcant change in the coming period.
How do we benefit from touristic sites, like the Pyramids?
The Pyramids are one of the 7 world wonders, so they are an amazing point of interest. Yet, they have to be perfectly employed, which could be very thorny. We will, however, take a powerful action to improve this site and its services to attract more national and international visitors.
Actually, Egypt needs to renew its services, so this where the ministries of tourism and antiquities and Egyptian Tourism Authority step in to carry out this mission.
Why didn’t the tourism ministry established an aviation company of its own?
The ministry has discussed this issue before with the Civil Aviation Authority and other concerned officials, but it concluded that it’s best to deal with EgyptAir. We have great work together, and it has increased its flights and has direct airlines from and to the UK and Germany.
What about the role of the Egyptian embassies abroad in boosting tourism?
They are doing a great job in promoting Egypt’s tourism and image and introducing its history and civilization abroad. Our ambassadors are very cooperative and they are doing the best they can to attract more investments and tourists, since these represent a key foreign currency resource.
How was the Italian tourism to Egypt affected on the back of Giulio Regeni’s case?
The tourism minister’s visit stirred wide positive responses, since Egypt is an important tourism destination to Italians. The market was indeed harmed after Regeni’s case, dropping about 70 per cent.
Egypt naturally denounces violence and terrorism and works with other countries to fight it, so that no tourist is under a threat. That’s why, we have to permenantly stress on our image as a place for security and safety to reassure all foreigners. Safety is a key factor in the sector, and I tell you that Egypt and its hotels are safe and secure.
Finally, we should all unite to manage surviving the current situation and reach a better place. Egypt enjoys capacities that no other country in the world has.
