Routes has invited a number of Ministers for Tourism and CEOs of leading tourism authorities to World Routes in Berlin to speak about their strategies for developing tourism via air services, in a new dedicated Routes Talks Tourism Theatre.
These ‘not-to-be-missed’ presentations from the leaders in their field are free to attend for all World Routes delegates, and will give you a practical insight in to how some of the world’s foremost tourism destinations are engaging with the world’s airlines in order to drive their visitor numbers. Our speakers will be outlining their recent successes and strategies as well as their plans for penetrating new source markets. This is the chance for Routes delegates to hear about each Government’s stance on route development initiatives from a tourism perspective.
The Routes Talks Tourism Theatre is sponsored by the Egyptian Tourism Ministry and H.E. Mr Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Minister of Tourism for Egypt will grace the stage to present the latest developments and opportunities for the country. Egypt is the home of many unique holiday dreams and recent figures show that tourism to Egypt is showing signs of rebounding following the political unrest earlier this year.
Tour operators are optimistic for the upcoming seasons and bookings are increasing steadily, although the overall decrease in tourism for the first half of the year – including the crucial days in January and February – amounts to 36.3 per cent. Nonetheless, nearly 6,000,000 international visitors came to the land of the Pharaohs in the first half year of 2011. For August, arrivals were still 20.6 per cent lower than in the same month in 2010, but this means that nearly 910,000 visitors travelled to Egypt in the month – tourists which share the unique experience of a young democracy in a society that has evolved for millennia.
Travellers are currently experiencing a new Egypt that has all the benefits of its historic origins, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and Islamic cultures, and yet feels rejuvenated and aspiring. On its unspoiled beaches, in the warm sunshine and amid the breathtaking nature, from the depths of the Red Sea to the vastness of the deserts, a new spirit can be felt. Tradition and modernity merge in Egypt like in no other country, now more than ever.
Millennia of culture and today’s trendy scene life, wonderful beaches on the Red Sea or in the Mediterranean, sports and water sports like diving and kite surfing, golf on a high level, eco-tourism and desert mysticism, oasis wonders and the lusciously green Nile Valley, stand for this exceptional country and make an irresistible combination. Egypt, the land of eternal sunshine, is only a three to four hour flight away from Europe and can be easily reached with direct flight connections.
The new, democratic era that has begun in Egypt will have further positive effects on tourism in the long run: values like sustainability, a fair, competitive tourism industry and investments into education will continue to improve the tourism industry for Egyptians and enhance the holiday experience for tourists from all over the world. One out of seven Egyptians works in the field of tourism. This is why in a democracy, the people of Egypt will protect their travel industry and see to it that there will not be any restrictions regarding visa policy, bikinis or alcoholic beverages, like other destinations in the region.
Egyptians are aware that their country has to remain open-minded and welcoming, so that travellers from all around the world will come to experience Egypt and its unique wonders. There is no other country with the legendary cruise on the river giant Nile, the longest river in the world and the only one who crosses the Sahara, between green, fertile shores and mystic temples from the Pharaonic age.
Egypt is the country that houses the spiritual Sinai Peninsula with biblical Mount Moses. The underwater world of the Red Sea is world-famous for its breathtaking diving spots and colourful marine life. The vibrant metropolis of Cairo with its Giza pyramids, renowned museums, lively bazaars and exclusive nightlife or Alexandria with its Mediterranean ambience, Greco-Roman monuments and the famous library, are must-sees for every globetrotter.
The Egyptian deserts, which make up more than 90 per cent of the country offer far more than sandy dunes: fossil trees, sea shells and whale skeletons, black volcanic lowlands and beaming white limestone formations are the scenery for a trip not only into a surreal and fascinating world, but also to one’s inner truths, to find time to breathe, offroad and offline.
The “New Egypt” includes everything the country has offered to its guests for centuries: Egypt has always been fascinating. Egypt is the source of inspiration for civilisations, their architecture, music, fashion, and culture. Yet today, there are more wonders to share.
To see more details on all the planned speakers at the Routes Talks Tourism Theatre click here.
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