world tourism day egypt

• Arts & Culture
• Videos & Features
• Opinion & Analysis
• Photo Gallery

Egypt Celebrates World Tourism Day with Diverse Activities Across Country

In commemoration of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27th, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, has organized a series of artistic, cultural, and tourism-related events across various Egyptian provinces.

Amr El-Qady, the CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion, highlighted that this year's World Tourism Day theme is "Tourism for Inclusive Growth."

He emphasized the Egyptian government's commitment to transforming the country's tourism sector into an environmentally sustainable industry.

Through these activities and events held in different Egyptian provinces, the aim is to promote Egypt as a tourist destination, stimulate domestic tourism, and enhance tourism and cultural awareness among various segments of society.

Here are some of the activities and events organized by the internal offices of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion in different Egyptian provinces to celebrate World Tourism Day:

Ramses Office:

Broadcasting a selection of promotional films recently released by the Authority on the giant screen at the Egyptian Railway Station, platforms 1 and 4.

This aims to promote domestic tourism and attract the attention of travelers from various nationalities passing through the station.

The seminar also highlighted the importance of tourism as a source of national income and the role of the World Tourism Organization as one of the United Nations agencies.

Distributing promotional brochures and souvenirs to Egyptian, Arab, and foreign travelers.

Additionally, a musician was invited to perform at the office during the celebration to create a cheerful atmosphere for tourists visiting the Authority's office.

Haram Office:

Welcoming tourist delegations of various nationalities during their visits to the Giza Pyramids area.

The Authority's team provided them with souvenir gifts and promotional materials about Egypt as a tourist destination.

• World Tourism Day
• Tourism for Inclusive Growth
• Amr El-Qady
• the CEO of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion

Search the United Nations

• UN Observances

Investing in People, Planet, and Prosperity

The overall disruption in the tourism sector brought about by COVID-19, provides an opportunity to redefine and recalibrate the direction and narratives of tourism investments for a more sustainable future for the People, the Planet, and prosperity.  

This  World Tourism Day 2023 , the  UNWTO ,  under the theme “Tourism and green investment” highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for the  Sustainable Development Goals , the UN roadmap for a better world by 2030. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

Visit the World Tourism Organization’s website

The UN World Tourism Organization has prepared a website and digital materials for social networks. Let’s all contribute to promote tourism investments focused on achieving a better world for the benefit of all.

How tourism should invest to contribute to the SDGs

The possibilities of strategic investment for this triple dimension are immense:

For the People by investing in education and skills

Looking ahead, the global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030 and a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training. For these reasons, we need to invest in people, as they are the foundation of tourism so that all those who wish to be part of the sector have the same opportunities to access quality tourism training, anywhere in the world.

For the Planet by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation

Looking into the future, the need to reduce emissions provides an investment opportunity of $24.7 trillion in the green buildings sector of emerging market cities by 2030, in which hotels, resorts, and restaurants account for $1.5 trillion. In addition, tourism faces a lot more investment opportunities related to new solutions and technologies to decarbonize the sector as well as to ensure climate-resilient infrastructure through adaptation solutions.

For Prosperity by investing in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship

Digitalization and innovation programs are a strategic priority to support particularly young people and women, which are critical to upskill the tourism sector’s workforce. Moreover, the global need to increase investments in programs that support and incentivize entrepreneurship and generate opportunities for innovations is highly need it in the tourism sector.

In order to succeed, let’s make this World Tourism Day a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy .

What is the Glasgow Declaration?

The Glasgow Declaration is a compromise to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong commitments to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. Over 450 organizations have become signatories of this declaration.

Did you know?

• Tourism employs one in every ten people on Earth.
• Tourism in rural areas can particularly benefit traditionally disadvantaged groups such as women - who make up 54% of the workforce in the tourism sector compared to 39% for the whole economy - youth and Indigenous people.
• In emerging destinations, 50% of young people are unable to work in tourism due to a lack of opportunity, resources, or access to academic training.

Campaign materials

Follow our event live!

The UN World Tourism Organization wants you to join the celebration online ( 27-28 September). You can follow its two-day event through its website or its YouTube channel .  

An indigenous entrepreneur in tune with Mother Earth

After successfully reclaiming her people’s territory in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northern Argentina, Celestina Ábalos turned to tourism to share and promote her indigenous culture. ILO entrepreneurship training during the COVID-19 pandemic helped her business to grow.

World Tourism Organization

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a leading UN international agency in the field of tourism. Its mission is to promote tourism as a driver of  economic growth, inclusive development  and  environmental sustainability  and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. Discover how they are working to cope with this pandemic along with the tourism sector and other UN agencies. 

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances .

Arts & Culture

Our magazine, haya karima.

Our magazine

World celebrates tourism day on september 27.

Mustafa Marie

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 - 11:34 GMT

World Tourism Day - Via Tentaran

CAIRO – 27 September 2021: On September 27, the world celebrates Tourism Day, under the slogan "Tourism to Achieve Comprehensive Growth".

Many events, touristic offers and free tickets are taking place as part of the celebrations to restore the tourism sector to its previous status before the global pandemic.

The World Tourism Organization approved the celebration of the World Tourism Day in 1980.  September 27 was chosen as it coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of the statutes of the World Tourism Organization.

As part of celebrating the World Tourism Day, the World Tourism Organization called for uploading photos of tourist sites on social media, as celebrating this day targets promoting awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic value of sustainable tourism.

It is also worth mentioning that the timing of the World Tourism Day comes at the end of the peak tourist season in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tourism around the world achieves five goals of sustainable development, which are the eradication of poverty, gender equality, decent work, economic growth and the reduction of inequalities, in addition to employing one in ten people on the face of the earth.

World Tourism Organization

World tourism day.

Leave a Comment

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, pointed to the relevance of holding the event in Egypt, “one of the world’s first tourism destinations”, especially given the 2011 theme, Tourism – Linking Cultures. “Egypt has played an extraordinary role in bringing peoples, cultures and religions together through tourism over thousands of years and it is this process that is at the heart of today’s celebrations,” he said. Emerging from the Think Tank debate were the Aswan Recommendations on Maximizing Tourism’s Role in Linking Cultures. The Recommendations set out six key actions to be taken by tourism stakeholders and include ensuring that all those supplying tourism services have the appropriate local knowledge in order to serve as mediators between visitors and local communities, and that all involved in tourism commit to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Hinterlassen Sie einen Kommentar.

Email (wird nicht veröffentlicht)

Webseite / Blog

XHTML: Es sind folgende Kennzeichnungen möglich: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Recent Articles

• (Deutsch) Der DRV bekommt einen neuen Hauptgeschäftsführer
• Middle East region first to recover Chinese tourism numbers
• 1,9 Million new trees for the Andes
• (Deutsch) 1,9 Millionen neue Bäume für die Anden
• The future of Qater Airways
• (Deutsch) „Refined Elegance Meets Lean Luxury“: Das Hotel Bristol Berlin erfindet sich neu
• Berlin is one of the three best cities in Europe 2024
• (Deutsch) Berlin gehört zu den drei besten Städten Europas 2024
• (Deutsch) The future of Qatar Airlines
• (Deutsch) Eurowings mit neuen Zielen

Keep informed

• Subscribe to Newsletter

Schedule of Trade Fairs

• show whole schedule

Yearly Archives

Advertisement.

© Copyright 2024 Tourism-Insider — Imprint — Privacy — Contact — Partners

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

share this content

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

UNWTO Delegation Observes Safe Restart of Tourism in Egypt on Official Visit

• Middle East
• 26 Aug 2020

A high-level delegation from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has concluded an official visit to Egypt to offer firm support for the government’s work to restart tourism and direct its benefits towards supporting livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.

As the United Nations released its landmark Policy Brief on COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlining his Five Priorities for rebuilding the sector , UNWTO visited Egypt to help guide the implementation of these key recommendations . Led by the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, the delegation met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled Al-Anani to learn of the steps taken to support tourism , including through the merging of the ministries of antiquities and tourism and the provision of grants and incentives to the sector. Mr Pololikashvili also met with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly to learn more of work being undertaken to boost consumer confidence and guarantee the safety of both tourism workers and tourists.

Tourism adapting to new reality

The United Nations has made clear the importance of tourism for everything from employment to equality, making it an integral part of sustainable development

The high-level talks, which also featured an update on large-scale tourism projects currently underway, including the new Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, were complemented by visits to several of Egypt’s most popular tourist sites. This allowed the UNWTO delegation to see first-hand the enhanced safety and hygiene protocols put in place in response as the sector adjusts a new reality within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The safe restart of tourism is not only possible, it is essential. The United Nations has made clear the importance of tourism for everything from employment to equality, making it an integral part of sustainable development. Egypt, as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, has supported the sector with firm actions, including effective fiscal and economic policies. It is now ready to welcome tourists back to its many sites of interest, all the while putting people and their wellbeing first.”

Private sector and institutional partnerships

Alongside meeting with the Egyptian government, the UNWTO Secretary-General also met with the Egyptian Tourism Federation and the Federation of Tourist Chambers. Both outlined the measures being taken to adapt safety protocols in tourist accommodation and other key services to the new reality. Visits to the world-famous Pyramids, the National Museum for Egyptian Civilization and to one of the country’s top marine tourism destinations likewise provided a broad overview of the joined-up approach to the safe and responsible restart of tourism.

The visit to Egypt came as UNWTO and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) work together to provide help guide and accelerate the recovery of tourism in the country. Egypt is one of a first group of 13 countries that will benefit from expert technical support as the two organizations build on their existing partnership to support tourism as it recovers from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The joint initiative will see the tourism sectors of all 38 economies where the Bank invests benefit from expert technical support, allowing them to introduce new safety and hygiene protocols and so boost confidence and revive demand.

Related links

• Download the news release
• UN Secretary-General’s Policy Brief: COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism
• EBRD and UNWTO Partner to Boost Tourism Recovery
• Tourism Restarts: 40% of Destinations Have Now Eased Travel Restrictions

Category tags

Related content.

UNWTO and Google Host Tourism Acceleration Program in M...

International campaign to promote tourism in Egypt during September

Egypt is preparing to launch an international campaign to promote and stimulate tourism during September, coinciding with the celebration of World Tourism Day , and the 200th anniversary of the founding of Egyptology as a science.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled al-Anany, said that the campaign targets many main and secondary markets.

He stressed the continuation of launching many promotional campaigns on various online platforms, which have become the most widespread means in the world.

Summer tourism campaign

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, launched a promotional campaign on June 30 during the summer months, under the slogan Egypt Never Sleeps , in order to promote tourism to Egypt during the summer season, especially in the Arab market and the Gulf region, in addition to revitalizing domestic tourism in Egypt.

The campaign included clips to shed light on Egyptian tourist destinations and highlight their diverse and unique tourist components, and different and multiple tourist products, with the participation of the Egyptian actress Donia Samir Ghanem , and a group of famous bloggers and influencers on social media.

Travel Awaits, a website specializing in tourism and travel affairs, published a report where Egypt was ranked ninth among 17 most popular tourist destinations for travelers around the world in 2023, according to travel reservations by international tour operators.

Middle East 24 on Friday reported an increase in the number of tourists visiting the Egypt with the resumption of tourism and travel worldwide.

The website described the Egyptian tourist destination as one of the best tourist destinations for having prominent tourist attractions combining culture, history, distinguished geographical location, entertainment and various marine activities.

Related Articles

Egypt achieves its highest ever rate of tourist traffic in 2023

Zahi Hawass to go on international tour promoting Egyptian tourism

Photos: Egypt inaugurates one of its oldest synagogues after extensive restoration

Gov’t denies plans to demolish historic minaret of Qusun mosque

• Entertainment
• Xinhua New Media
• Special Reports
• B&R Initiative
• Bilingual Zone
• Biz China Weekly
• Latest News
• Culture & Edu
• Asia & Pacific
• North America

Roundup: On World Tourism Day, Egypt signals revival of tourism amid COVID-19

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of the World Tourism Day (WTD), Egypt held several activities in the popular Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, indicating the revival of its tourism sector amid the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Marking the WTD over the past three days, the activities were joined by 30 foreign ambassadors and their families as well as global reporters, accompanied by the Egyptian ministers of tourism and antiquities, civil aviation, information and environment.

The foreign ambassadors were satisfied with the anti-coronavirus precautionary measures implemented at Sharm el-Sheikh airport, hotels, hospitals and tourism facilities.

They also visited Sharm el-Sheikh Museum, which is scheduled to open in the coming days, and watched an Egyptian folklore performance as part of the activities.

A cycling marathon was also held and joined by the Egyptian tourism and aviation ministers, as well as the foreign ambassadors and their family members. The fun ride competition, which was won by the Cameroonian ambassador to Cairo, toured the streets of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The Cameroonian diplomat expressed happiness with winning the race, while German ambassador suggested holding an international cycling marathon in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anany said after the cycling marathon that "Egypt's celebration of the WTD in the presence of 30 foreign ambassadors and their families is a strong message to the whole world that Egypt enjoys security and safety over the novel coronavirus."

He noted that tourism in Egypt is returning gradually.

Until Saturday night, Egypt has reported a total of 102,736 COVID-19 cases, including 5,869 deaths and 94,374 recoveries.

Amid declining COVID-19 infections and fatalities in Egypt, the country resumed international flights on July 1, after they had been suspended since March, as part of a coexistence plan to maintain anti-coronavirus precautionary measures while resuming economic activities.

"More than 250,000 tourists from 15 countries have visited South Sinai and the Red Sea since the return of tourism and flight resumption on July 1," the tourism minister told reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Al-Anany said he was proud of the country's earnest implementation of the anti-COVID-19 precautionary measures at airports, hotels and tourism facilities, noting that he has recently visited several countries to reassure them about the safety of tourism in Egypt.

Egypt's tourism sector, a main source of national income and foreign currency for the country, has been greatly affected by the lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic. Egypt's tourism revenues hit a record high of 13 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

Moreover, the gathering also launched the "Eco Egypt" campaign to promote natural reserves and ecotourism in the country as part of the WTD activities.

In a speech during the opening of the campaign, Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad stressed that despite the outbreak of COVID-19 and its worldwide impacts, work in Egypt did not stop.

"We will continue working so hard. So, when tourism is recovered, we will be fully prepared with a lot of new things to offer foreign tourists," said the environment minister.

Tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh are not as many as before the COVID-19 outbreak, and the Egyptian government implements social distancing by keeping the maximum occupancy rate of hotels at 50 percent.

Those working in the tourism field in Egypt had mixed feelings of hope for tourism recovery and happiness with its gradual return after nearly five months of suspension.

"All workers in the sector feel a kind of victory over the novel coronavirus, especially with the ongoing influx of tourist groups. Although it is not yet at the required level, it is a very good start," said Mina Tadros, an employee at one of Sharm el-Sheikh hotels.

"Not only the workers and employees who are happy, but a lot of tourists also expressed happiness with their return to Egypt," the employee added. Enditem

• Culture Edu
• Organizations
• Doing Business
• Work in China
• Study in China
• Visit China
• Live in China
• Corrections

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

World Tourism Day in Egypt and Lebanon - in pictures

Egypt has opened its archaeological sites and museums for free visits to mark World Tourism Day. EPA

• Monday, 08 April 2024

Sharm El-Sheikh: Celebrating 40th World Tourism Day

Nevine el-aref , wednesday 30 sep 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic did not stop Egypt from celebrating this year’s 40th World Tourism Day with special events in Sharm El-Sheikh

World Tourism Day (WTD) has been marked every year on 27 September since 1980 to raise awareness of the importance of tourism socially, culturally, politically and economically worldwide. Tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors and provides job opportunities and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people. In some countries, it can represent up to 20 per cent of GDP.

The day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the UN World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Statues in 1970. It also coincides with the deciphering of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs on the Rosetta Stone in the early 19th century and the unlocking of ancient Egyptian history.

On this day in 1822, Jean-François Champollion, a French scientist, published a draft translation of the mysterious hieroglyphs on the Rosetta Stone, discovered some years earlier by French forces in Egypt, and demonstrated to the world how to read the language left behind by the ancient Egyptian scribes.

This year, the world is celebrating the WTD under the slogan of “Tourism and Economic Development”.

According to a statement from the UNWTO, the theme highlights the unique role that tourism plays to drive economic development, provide job opportunities outside larger cities, and help to preserve the cultural and natural heritage all over the globe.

“Tourism helps rural communities hold onto their unique natural and cultural heritage and traditions and supports conservation projects, including those safeguarding endangered species, threatened traditions, or foods,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general. He said that tourism could empower rural communities, providing jobs and opportunities, notably for women and youth.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that over the last 40 years since the first WTD was observed much had changed. Demand for travel had soared and the world had opened up, allowing more people than ever to explore the globe and its different cultures.

Today, tourism is firmly established on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as an engine for advancing prosperity, protecting the planet, and laying the foundations for peace and understanding among peoples.

“Tourism has suffered enormously during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the safe restarting of tourism is essential,” Guterres said, adding that “some 120 million jobs are at risk. The impacts could lead to the loss of between 1.5 and 2.8 per cent of global GDP. This will particularly affect the most vulnerable countries, including Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, and many African nations, where tourism can represent between 30 and 80 per cent of exports.”

In this challenging year, he called on the world to focus on tourism’s importance for people living in rural areas, “so we can deliver on the promise of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to leave nobody behind,” Guterres added.

For the first time in the 40-year history of the WTD, the official celebrations will also not be hosted by a single member state of the UN agency. Instead, nations from the Mercosur bloc, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Chile joining with observer status, will serve as joint hosts. 

“This co-hosting agreement exemplifies the spirit of international solidarity that runs through tourism and which the UNWTO has recognised as essential for recovery. Cross-border cooperation reflects the current need for international solidarity and cooperation. This is especially true for tourism, working together towards a common goal,” the UNWTO said in a statement.

With the new coronavirus putting the world into lockdown mode, recreational as well as work-related travel has come to a sudden halt, and most countries celebrated the WTD virtually.

However, in Egypt the celebration was different. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany along with the ministers of civil aviation, the environment, and state information and 30 ambassadors of foreign countries in Cairo embarked on a three-day trip to the Red Sea coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh in the South Sinai Peninsula, where they enjoyed various activities.

They inspected precautionary measures being implemented at the Sharm El-Sheikh airport and hotels as well as the area where PCR tests for Covid-19 are taken.

They also visited the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum, scheduled to open in October. El-Enany allowed the ambassadors to visit only one of the halls of the new museum in order to keep the rest of the galleries as a surprise upon its official inauguration.

The ambassadors expressed their appreciation of the museum’s design, open-air displays, and distinguished collection. “It is a real beauty. We were not expecting to see such an impressive museum in Sharm El-Sheikh,” they said, expecting that it would be one of the most amazing museums in Egypt.

The museum has so far received more than 6,062 artefacts from several stores and archaeological sites and other museums across the country, the latest of which was a rare mosaic from Alexandria, dating back to the fourth century BCE.

During the trip, the ambassadors were able to take in the natural environment and sunny atmosphere of the city, also experiencing the rich marine life characteristic of the Red Sea on a snorkelling excursion. They also toured a number of nature reserves and visited the Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital.

A 30-minute fun cycling competition was held in the streets of Sharm El-Sheikh. The Cameroonian ambassador to Cairo won the race, and El-Enany promised he would be the first to visit the newly discovered coffins in Saqqara upon an announcement on Saturday. Meanwhile, the German ambassador also suggested holding an international cycling marathon in Sharm El-Sheikh.

“Egypt’s celebration of the WTD in the presence of 30 foreign ambassadors and their families is a strong message to the whole world that Egypt enjoys security and safety even at a time of the new coronavirus,” El-Enany said, noting that tourism in Egypt was recovering from an earlier decline.

Egypt resumed international flights on 1 July after they had been suspended since March as part of a plan to maintain anti-coronavirus precautionary measures while resuming economic activities. Starting in September, cultural tourism also resumed. Almost 300,000 tourists from 15 countries have visited South Sinai and the Red Sea since the return of tourism to Egypt.

El-Enany said he was proud of the country’s efficient implementation of the anti-Covid-19 precautionary measures at airports, hotels, and tourism facilities, noting that he had recently visited other countries to reassure them about the safety of tourism in Egypt.

During the gathering the “Eco Egypt” campaign was also launched to promote natural reserves and ecotourism in the country as part of WTD activities.

The campaign advocates support for both the tourism sector and local livelihoods by providing a platform for the unique practices, traditions, and crafts of local communities. From camping to diving, stargazing to birdwatching, Egypt’s ecological sites promise unparalleled experiences for the curious, young and old alike.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 1 October, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Celebrating

Nevine el-aref, coronavirus, world tourism day, sharm el-sheikh, latest news, most viewed, also in egypt.

• Privacy & Policy

Fresh changes in national press

‏Sisi: Concerted int’l efforts necessary for prompt entry of adequate humanitarian relief aid to Gaza

CoS visits Helmeyat El Zaytoun Military Hospital

Shoukry, Norwegian counterpart discuss Gaza humanitarian crisis

Dollar exchange rate stable at beginning of Sunday’s transactions

• National Day

Russian army loses 820 soldiers in Ukraine in past 24 hours

Guterres calls for standing against all forms of hatred, discrimination

US, Spain stress importance of co-operation to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians

British PM: UK shocked by bloodshed in Gaza

Ericsson and Orange Egypt boost digital transformation

X gives free blue tick to big follower accounts

Google to destroy browsing data to settle privacy lawsuit

ChatGPT now available without an account

TikTok launches new feed to engage young people

Egypt’s Nuclear Project as a Doorway for Advancing Egypt’s Nuclear Science and Technology

Trending tags.

Global Africa Business Initiative announces plans for Unstoppable Africa 2024 flagship event in New York

Leasing jumps 67.8 per cent to LE38.95b in Q4

World food prices rebound from three-year low, says UN agency

US trade gap grows to highest level since April 2023

Maeet: State moving on integrated paths to improve Egypt’s economy

Arsenal, Man City claim EPL wins

Penguins hold on to beat Lightning

USA edges Japan in Believes Cup

Korda stays on track at LPGA Match Play

‘Riders are biggest danger in cycling’

Trends: Death of aid workers in Gaza; Miliha; outrage against Meta platforms

Kahk: the ancient Egyptian biscuit that symbolises cultural heritage and celebrations

Wider bird flu spread raises concern – WOAH

Hanan Youssef Salon explores identity in Ramadan drama

Egypt Capital Cup; ICJ; Kate Middleton

• Flight schedules
• EgyptAir booking
• Snippets from EgyptAir history
• EgyptAir history
• Your Shipment On Time
• Discover the World of Shopping

Revisions for English 3rd Secondary

Video: What do American tourists say about Egypt and the Gaza war?

Meko a200 frigate inaugurated.

Cairo hosts African Regional Congress on Military Medicine

World Tourism Day 2023: Recognize the power of Green investments

RIYADH – The legacy of the World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations will live on in the shape of greater investments in the sector’s sustainability and a shared commitment to spread the benefits the sector delivers even more widely, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said in a statement Thursday.

On World Tourism Day 2023, leaders from every global region have united around a shared determination to invest in the sector’s growth and transformation. Held around the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments,” the celebrations of the Global Day of Observation have been the biggest and most impactful on record, the statement said.

Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the official celebrations welcomed more than 50 Ministers of Tourism alongside hundreds of high-level delegates from the public and private sectors, it added. The day featured expert-led panels focused on key topics around this year’s theme of Tourism and Green Investments, with plans backed up with concrete actions as UNWTO announced several important new initiatives, according to the statement.

This year has been the biggest World Tourism Day ever, and we want to make sure it leaves the biggest impact too UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This year has been the biggest World Tourism Day ever, and we want to make sure it leaves the biggest impact too. From Riyadh, we have joined our global sector around a pledge to promote new destinations, to diversify the economic and social benefits of tourism, and have announced a new school that will transform tourism education in the Middle East,” it said.

According to the statement, the UNWTO secretary general introduced “Tourism Opens Minds”, a landmark initiative designed to showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and fostering peace and understanding. With UNWTO’s latest data indicating the sector is well on track to recover as much as 95% of pre-pandemic arrivals numbers by the end of 2023, Tourism Opens Minds is designed to ensure that this strong recovery is joined by a greater emphasis on tourists exploring less-visited destinations, it said. The statement added that the focus will be on:

Making lesser-known destinations more accessible to all tourists and ensuring all visitors receive a warm welcome by host communities.

Promoting lesser-known destinations and actively working to make tourists visit them.

Working with governments and the private sector to encourage tourists themselves to be more open-minded in their choice of travel destination.

Tourism Opens MindsTo mark the launch, UNWTO unveiled a new symbol for the initiative, made up of the colors of the various flags of the world, and shared a pledge for the sector to unite around. A special pledge, to be supported by Governments, private sector leaders and tourists themselves, was shared with select delegates, calling on them to commit to promoting new and diverse travel destinations, said the statement.

The statement noted that to ensure that the World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations leave a lasting impact in Riyadh and across the wider region, the UNWTO secretary general joined with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb to announce a joint project focused on creating new generations of skilled tourism workers:

The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality will be a collaborative effort between UNWTO, the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Qiddiya.

With 80% of all global tourism education programs currently focused on hotel operations, the Riyadh School will deliver learning for every part of the diverse sector.

The School will offer eight different levels of educational programs including diplomas and certificates through to professional courses and courses at the Bachelors and Master’s degree level.

Related Posts

Discussion about this post

In Photos: Egyptian mission uncovers New Kingdom cemetery, papyrus in Minya

Netflix’s ‘unknown: the lost pyramid’ not only about discoveries, but also about people behind them, says director, us publishes report on crash of egyptair plane off massachusetts coast, us rapper travis scott’s show at giza pyramids cancelled – source.

The Egyptian Gazette is the oldest English-language daily newspaper in the Middle East. It was first published on January 26, 1880 and it is part of El Tahrir Printing and Publishing House.

Gazette Newsletter

Would you like to receive notifications on our latest news ?

© 2021 All Rights Reserved for Egyptian Gazette - Admined by Digital Transformation Management.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

• Mirror Site

state information service Your Gateway to Egypt

• PM, Al Azhar Imam discuss establishment of Islamic mission city
• Egypt to increase private sector minimum wage to LE 6,000
• Egyptian government plans to build 1K smart houses in New Alamain
• Egypt aims to reduce debt ratio to 80% by 2027
• Egypt, Norway express rejection to plans on Israeli military operation in Palestinian Rafah
• SIS: Increasing aid trucks to Gaza to more than 300 per day
• President El-Sisi Receives Head of the US Central Intelligence Agency
• PM Examines Standards for Establishing New Free Zones
• Dollar Exchange Rate Stable at Beginning of Sunday’s Transactions
• WHO Marks World Health Day Under the Theme "My Health, My Right"
• Media Center
• Reports & Strategies
• National Political Dialogue
• Presidential News
• SIS Website in a week
• Political News
• Economic News
• Tourism News
• Cultural News
• Miscellaneous
• Security News

Marsa Allam to organize World Tourism Day celebrations on September

• Wednesday، 23 August 2023 - 02:50 PM

Marking World Tourism Day, Marsa Allam City will organize celebrations on September 20-28.

As many as 50 fine artists from 22 countries will contribute to the carnival, which will be held in that Red Sea City under the auspices of the Culture Ministry’s fine arts department and the Tourism Authority.

Part of the carnival will take place in the Upper Egyptian city of Luxor, said Mohamed Hemeida, a fine artist who manages the event.

Tours will be organized for participants in the event to the different tourist destinations with the aim of promoting travel to Egypt, Hemeida noted.

An exhibition will also be held on September 27 to display the works of the participating fine artists, he said.

All the participants will be honored at the end of the celebrations, Hemeida added.  MENA

Related Stories

Most visited.

President El-Sisi’s Speech After Taking the Constitutional Oath for a new Presidential Term

Eid Mubarak: 9-14 April Paid Holiday For Eid Al-Fitr in Egypt

Wednesday، 03 april 2024 11:36 pm.

President El-Sisi Takes the Constitutional Oath for a New Presidential Term

Tuesday، 02 april 2024 12:25 pm.

Sisi Issues Presidential Decree Appointing Egyptian Ambassador Plenipotentiary To Eritrea

Wednesday، 03 april 2024 10:53 am.

Weather Forecast

Currency exchange, prayer times.

• Related Links

World Tourism Day

September 27 , Friday

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

World Tourism Day in other years

• 2021 September 27 , Monday
• 2022 September 27 , Tuesday
• 2023 September 27 , Wednesday
• 2025 September 27 , Saturday

World Tourism Day in other countries

• Afghanistan
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Cook Islands
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saint-Barthelemy
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Sahara

Sign in, please

Authorization is only required to store your personal settings.

Sign in with

Add another Place

Data retention.

You acknowledge the removal of your account and all personal data associated with it. After confirmation, all data will be deleted without recovery options.

Results export

Separator: Tab Comma (,) Semicolon (;)

Main Timer setup

Show countdown before start

A Tuesday Manager Tip

My Future in Color” Art Exhibition: Egyptian School Students Amaze Attendees with Drawings on Climate Change!

The Creative Industry Summit: A Gate For Creative Economy Talks

6 Internships You Should Not Miss In The Last Few Days Of Summer

Travelling Abroad On Low Budget? 6 Tips To Cut Down Your Travel Spending!

Creative Industry Summit Is Back Again With Its Newest Edition

A Walk Through Asian Hotspots in Cairo

The 925 of a Butcher during Eid

Gelato Is The Motto: Best Places In Cairo To Get Ice Cream After A Long Workday  

Easy-Breezy Creamy Oats for a Healthier Workday

3 Easy & Healthy Sandwiches to Take to Work

Note to Self: Eating Healthy is the New Happy

رحلة جوا المتحف الجيولوجي المصري

رحلة جوا متحف جاير أندرسون

Exclusive Behind The Scene Pictures Of The Eight (El- Thamania)

Mohamed Mounir Will Perform For The First Time Since 2012 In Alexandria

5 Things We Loved About “Rivo” The New Hit Series

انت مين من شخصيات “سوتس بالعربي” في الشغل؟

• 925 بالعربي
• Published Thoughts
• Fun & Games

World Tourism Day: What Is Your Favorite Place In Egypt?

Tourism is one of the leading sources of income in Egyptian economy. Keeping the economy aside for a moment, Egypt’s streets, beaches, people, history and culture is surely a picture worth seeing. This is a country that is home to many tourist attractions such as the Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Valley of the kings, temples in Aswan, the coast of Sinai, the Red Sea, every single city (not just including Cairo), and quite honestly the list of the wonders in Egypt could go on and on without any end in sight. 

Photo from Egypt Today

In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities   organized a one-hour bike marathon in Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai on Friday.

This event included the participation of 30 ambassadors, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani and Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Manar, according to Egypt Today .

During the bike marathon, the participants passed by breathtaking beaches and other tourist attractions. Al-Anani had also promised the first place winner, the Ambassador of Cameroon, that he’d get to be the first to see the new archaeological discovery in the Saqqara area in early October.

What Is World Tourism Day?

World Tourism Day, ever since 1980, has been celebrated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization on September 27. Basically, the decision to celebrate this was seen as a milestone in global tourism. This year in particular, tourism has been one of the hardest hit sectors around the world due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. 

Between restricted travel, a drop in consumer demand, people losing their jobs, and businesses shutting down, the world was faced with major economic challenges. 

“On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting  solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time,” said the United Nations. 

This particular edition of World Tourism Day will revolve around the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development” to celebrate the role that tourism plays outside ‘big’ cities, such as cultural and natural heritage sites around the world. As per the UN, countries around the world are looking to tourism to be part of the post COVID-19 recovery and this includes rural communities. 

World Tourism Day Is Every Day In Egypt 

In Egypt, we are practically surrounded by historical landmarks, breathtaking scenes and a long history. By default, this makes Egypt one of the most touristic destinations in the world. In recent news, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working to transform Giza into a center for world tourism. According to Egypt Today , the ministry wants to “transform the area surrounding the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum into a tourist service area of the highest international standards.” One of the plans include establishing a cable car that’ll link the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids Plateau, and the plateau with hotels. Currently, they are researching how this can be done without disrupting the archaeological area or reforming any of its historical identity. 

Photo from @9pyramidslounge

The Pyramids Plateau is one of the newest developments in tourism in Egypt. Basically, it includes restaurants, cafes, and services such as shopping outlets. In late July, Al-Anani explained that 9pyramidslounge is one of the first restaurants that’ll be opening in the area.

According to Egyptian Streets, 9 Pyramids Lounge is one of the many LE400 million renovation plans the government has been working on in this area. 

Interestingly, when such sites are emphasized and renovated for tourism, they bring more than just tourism itself. For instance, the Pyramids of Giza are also set to be a site for a contemporary art exhibition in October 2021 called “Forever is Now” by Art D’Egypte . As per The National , the art show is going to focus on the impact that ancient Egypt had on the creative communities today. “It will feature a trail of works by Egyptian and international artists installed across the Giza Plateau.” Back in 2017, Art D’Egypte had their first exhibition called “Eternal Light” at the famous Egyptian Museum in Tahrir which compared museum artifacts with modern work by regional artists. 

Photo from Egypt Tours Portal – Hurghada

But here’s the thing, Egypt is not just about the Pyramids, museums, historical monuments, pharaohs and Ancient Egyptian history. The city life and coastal areas are just as exciting in so many ways.

The beaches in Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Dahab, El Gouna, Taba , Soma Bay and many others, have been recognized as world-class beaches. Generally, the weather is warm for most of the year and hence, beach areas are lucky enough to enjoy months of activities. 

Photo from Globe Trove

When it comes to city life, the adventure doesn’t stop here either. Between Khan el-Khalili and Al Moez Street, Egypt’s famous bazaar-like souq, and Souq el Fustat, an iconic center for crafts and art (that is quite close to some of the oldest churches, including the famous Hanging Church), there is magic in every corner. 

There are many other special, touristic places of worship such as Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Mosque of Amr ibn al-As. 

The aforementioned places are only a fraction of what the cities hold, and that’s only counting Cairo. Let’s not forget the beautiful walks one can have by Alexandria’s Corniche for instance. It’s a true fact that in every corner of every city in Egypt, there is some kind of story and history to the places and spaces. 

Tourism-Based Initiatives Around Egypt 

However, light modifications that don’t change the meaning of the image are allowed. Participants can send a total of five photos to [email protected] . If you’re someone who is into photography, then grab your camera and get going! 

Perhaps one of the things you can consider taking photos of can have to do with ecotourism. Interestingly, The Environment Ministry is also working on promoting nature reserves and ecotourism in the country. Yasmine Fouad, the minister, explained that there is a three-year campaign that is introducing eco-friendly destinations in Egypt to encourage tourists to visit these locations. 

According to Ahram Online , the first phase of the campaign will look into promoting 13 natural reserves in Egypt. This is all going to work hand in hand in raising public awareness on how important protecting the environment is. It will also serve as a way to learn more about the economic, social and cultural developments happening in that particular scene when it comes to ecotourism. 

Egypt Is A Country You Absolutely Must ‘Follow’

Egypt is basically all about the view, from places in the city, such as Khan El Khalili to the beach and coastal areas. Almost every inch of the country is picturesque in its own special ways, and thanks to social media, there are dozens of Instagram accounts dedicated to covering the beauty of this country. Here are a few accounts we’d recommend you take a look at!

2. @visitegypte

@visitegypte

3. @experienceegypt 

View this post on Instagram في السابع والعشرين من سبتمبر من كل عام يحتفل العالم بيوم السياحة العالمي. احتفل معنا هذا العام وتعرف على المزيد من معالم السياحية في مصر. #SameGreatFeelings #WorldTourismDay A post shared by Experience Egypt (@experienceegypt) on Sep 27, 2020 at 4:35am PDT

4. @myegypt

Impact Of COVID-19 On Tourism In Egypt 

It goes without saying that COVID-19 had an impact on the economy of every single country, including Egypt. Inevitably when the virus hit the country back in March, many businesses had to temporarily shut down, and schools, universities and work moved to ‘online’ and ‘work from home’. However, despite the challenges, Egypt is actually managing to keep the economy up and running. 

Recently, businesses including those in tourism, hospitality, cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities are opening up with precautionary measures. According to Ahram Online , a report by Goldman Sachs in early September said that Egypt’s economy is growing to the point where it can be among the “strongest emerging markets”. The report explained that this is due to the economic reform programme that was established by the country back in November 2016. 

“The report revealed that while about $20 billion exited the Egyptian market from March through June, amid the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, around $10 billion returned in recent months, with projections of an improvement in Egyptian expat remittances,” wrote  Ahram Online. 

When it comes to tourism, the report predicted that this particular sector would be able to bounce back on the third quarter of 2021 having been impacted by COVID-19. Tourism has been re-opened in recent months with precautionary measures, especially in hotels. Tourist attractions have also re-opened but with limited numbers and set capacities depending on the location. Generally, all people are required to be wearing masks alongside social distancing rules and access to sanitizers and disinfectants. 

• Development
• Khan El Khalili
• north coast
• Pyramids Plateau
• State Ministry of Information
• Touristic Destination
• World Tourism Day

Dania Akkawi

Dania Akkawi graduated from the American University in Cairo with a major in Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing and History. After spending all her high school and college years writing, that's pretty much what she wants to keep doing for now too.

Related Articles

Majid Al Futtaim Joins Forces with the Egyptian Food Bank to Give Back to the Community During Ramadan

Chefaa Secures $5.25 Million Funding to Drive Expansion into KSA & Advance Healthcare Digital Transformation

Mercedes-Benz Sparks EV Revolution in Egypt

Trending now.

Ras Sudr: A Weekend Guide for the First-Timer

This Business Serves Cheetos Soft Ice Cream That You’ll Want to Try

Makeup Tips to Slay That Job Interview

I Tried South African Food for the First Time and This Is What Happened

Groundbreaking pig kidney transplant patient released from hospital

Fast-food giant mcdonald’s buys out entire israel franchise, global leaders gather to tackle looming threat of “disease x”, world tourism day 2023 calls for sustainable growth in tourism.

The anticipation for  World Tourism Day 2023  is palpable, with this year’s theme shining a spotlight on “Tourism and Green Investments.” Riyadh, the bustling capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is poised to host the grandest celebration of this event on 27th September. Organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the day will witness a plethora of special events and programs spanning across its Member States.

These events aim to highlight the pivotal role of tourism as a catalyst for global economies and societies. UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, encapsulated the sentiment, emphasizing the transformative potential of tourism. He remarked on the importance of celebrating tourism’s growth-driving capability while accentuating the need for investments that ensure this growth is sustainable and inclusive.

This year, World Tourism Day’s focus is multi-pronged, addressing various facets of green investments in tourism. There’s an emphasis on investing in people through education and skill enhancement, championing the planet by promoting sustainable infrastructure and green transformation, and fostering prosperity by pouring resources into technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Riyadh is not just a venue but a hub of activity during this event. The city will witness the unveiling of UNWTO’s Global Tourism Investment Framework. This launch will be complemented by high-level discussions that delve into the complexities and opportunities of investing in the tourism sector. A notable highlight will be the announcement of the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East.

The magnitude of World Tourism Day 2023 is evident, with UNWTO expecting representatives from over 100 of its Member States. This includes a significant presence of more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. They will be joined by esteemed representatives from the global tourism private sector, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive dialogue.

Tracing back to its inception in 1980, World Tourism Day stands as a testament to the sector’s role in promoting peace and prosperity. The event rotates among UNWTO’s global regions, each year focusing on a theme that resonates with current global challenges and opportunities. The chosen date, 27th September, is symbolic, marking the day the statutes of the organization, which later evolved into UNWTO, were inked.

Related Posts

Uae airlines witness surge, reach 603 global destinations by q1, etihad airways inaugurates fourth us destination with boston flight, icao forecasts 2% growth in air travel, profits hold at $39b.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Egypt to receive first tranche of expanded IMF loan next week

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Momen Atallah; Editing by Bernadette Baum

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Gunmen have killed at least 21 villagers in Nigerian state of Kogi, residents said on Friday, the latest clash between herders and farmers in Africa's most populous nation fueled by growing pressure on land resources.

More than 90 people died after a ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, the BBC said, citing domestic authorities, with five rescued from among the nearly 130 believed to have been on board.

Senior Australia lawmaker broaches security cooperation on Taiwan trip

A senior Australian lawmaker broached the sensitive subject of security cooperation with Taiwan during a meeting on Monday with President Tsai Ing-wen, saying both sides have a vested interest in maintaining regional stability.

Watch CBS News

Thousands pack narrow alleys in Cairo for Egypt's mega-Iftar

By Ahmed Shawkat

Updated on: March 28, 2024 / 11:01 AM EDT / CBS News

Cairo — The narrow streets and alleys of a working-class neighborhood in Egypt's capital hosted thousands of people Monday who came together to break their Ramadan fast at the longest dinner table in the country. It was the 10th time that northern Cairo's Matareya neighborhood had hosted the annual Iftar meal on the 15th day of Ramadan, and it was the biggest so far.

Organizers said some 400 volunteers helped to line up about 700 tables along a handful of connected, and ornately decorated, streets and alleys and then fill them with food prepared by community members. There was no official count, but those behind the gathering claimed as many as 30,000 people had turned up to break their fast after sundown.

Hamada Hassan, one of the organizers, told CBS News the story of the mass-Iftar started 12 years ago on the 15th night of Ramadan when some local residents decided to break their fast together after playing soccer. No one had a house big enough to host everyone, so each went home and got some food. Then, they brought two tables out onto the street and ate together.

Friends later complained they hadn't received an invite, Hassan said, and the following year, there were about 10 tables connected to seat a growing crowd. The event kept expanding, with more and more tables added year after year, until it was dubbed the longest Iftar table in Egypt.

The ritual was paused for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic , but it made a strong comeback in 2023, with celebrities, government officials and even diplomats joining the banquet.

The Monday night gathering saw the biggest turnout to date, and the narrow old streets and alleys were packed. Some guests told CBS News it was the first time they'd been to Matareya.

Bassem Mahmoud, another organizer, said some 6,000 meals were prepared for the 2023 Iftar. This year, he said they made 10,000, and they were hoping to grow even more in 2025.

Mahmoud said preparations for the Iftar started two months before the dinner, including buying and storing everything from water, juice and decorations, to cleaning and painting the streets and then festooning them with Ramadan decorations.

During Ramadan, tables of free food are set up in streets across Egypt for anyone to break their fast. Those offerings are typically intended for those in need, which makes the Matareya Iftar unique, though the organizers stress that they are sharing a meal with guests, and everyone is invited.

• Chicago Muslims line up to receive food boxes as Ramadan fasting begins

With balloons, fresh paint on the neighborhood walls and the streets echoing with lights and Ramadan music, the friendly atmosphere drew thousands of people this year, including some who didn't eat, but just came to enjoy the spectacle.

Some residents who chose not to venture out into the streets to participate had Iftar diners come to them instead. Locals told CBS News that complete strangers knocked on their doors and asked to come up to enjoy a better view from their balconies, and they were welcomed.

During the holy month, people typically great each other with the phrase "Ramadan Kareem," which is Arabic for "generous Ramadan." The month is traditionally a time to focus on gathering, sharing and generosity, and the Matareya community showed that spirit on the 15th day of Ramadan.

Ahmed Shawkat is a CBS News producer based in Cairo.

More from CBS News

Israel finds body of a hostage killed in Gaza; cease-fire talks to resume

CMT Music Awards winners list for 2024: Live updates

Mexico's president says country will break diplomatic ties with Ecuador

McDonald's buying back its franchises in Israel as boycott hurt sales

• Partner with AGBI

Egypt’s garment exports to Saudi Arabia rise 90%

Egypt’s garment exports to Arab countries rose 35 percent year on year to $100 million during the first two months of 2024, a trade association executive has said.

Sales to Saudi Arabia surged 90 percent year on year to $25 million during the January and February period, Daily News Egypt reported, quoting Marie-Louis Bishara, president of the Readymade Garment Export Council.

Exports to Libya jumped 216 percent annually to $20 million.

Overall, the garment sector saw a 25 percent rise in exports to $464 million during the first two months of 2024, compared to $371 million a year ago. The growth is attributed to the easing of export-related conditions and government support.

The US remained Egypt’s top export market, with sales hitting $187 million, up 13 percent year on year. Additionally, exports to Europe climbed 42 percent annually to $107 million.

Exports to Spain reached $25 million, an increase of 41 percent year on year, while Germany climbed 19% year on year to $22 million in the first two months of the year, the report said.

Latest articles

UK’s Global Ports to operate Casablanca cruise terminal

A consortium led by British cruise operator Global Ports Holding (GPH) has secured preferred bidder status for operating the new cruise terminal in Casablanca. The consortium was awarded a 15-year concession agreement with Morocco’s state-owned Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP). The consortium and ANP are working towards finalising the concession terms, the London stock exchange-listed […]

ADIA joins $600m fundraise by Indian power company 

Indian power company, JSW Energy Limited, has raised Rs 50 billion ($600 million) by selling shares to institutional investors, which includes UAE sovereign fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). The qualified institutions placement saw an oversubscription of 3.2 times, including global asset managers such as GQG, Blackrock, Nomura, Wellington, and UBS the Indian company said […]

• Construction

Saudi Arabia scales down plans for 170km Line by 2030

Less than half of the first phase of The Line – Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city – is expected to be completed by 2030. Publicity materials available at a construction industry conference in Cannes in March showed that phase one would consist of modules 44 to 47 of the 170 km The Line, making the first […]

Israel’s trade with Arab countries up 16% in 2023

Trade between Israel and the seven Arab countries that have normalised relations with the Jewish state broke records in 2023, exceeding $4 billion, up 16 percent from 2022, according to a report. Bilateral trade among the nations decreased by only 4 percent following the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October, from $937 million […]

Download the AGBI app today

Israel’s war on Gaza: List of key events, day 181

Global outrage and pressure on Israel following an attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza this week.

Here’s how things stand on Wednesday,  April 4 , 2024:

Fighting and humanitarian crisis

• At least eight people were killed in overnight Israeli bombings on houses in Rafah, Wafa reported late on Wednesday.
• Two people were also killed and 15 injured in an Israeli air attack in the Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza, according to Wafa reports.
• Marc Owen Jones, assistant professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said on Wednesday it was increasingly clear that Israel is deploying untested artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the Gaza war. “This is an AI-assisted genocide, and going forward, there needs to be a call for a moratorium on the use of AI in the war,” Jones said.
• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday urged Israel to take concrete steps to protect aid workers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza “after repeated coordination failures”. The call followed an Israeli attack that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers in Gaza earlier this week.
• Separately, Jose Andres, founder of the WCK, said Israel had targeted the aid workers “systematically, car by car”. “This was not just a bad luck situation where ‘oops’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong place,” Andres told Reuters.
• “This was over 1.5, 1.8 kilometres, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colourful logo that we are obviously very proud of,” he said. It is “very clear who we are and what we do”.

Diplomacy and regional tensions

• Revived talks on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appear to be making little progress, with the two sides showing few signs that they are ready to compromise on their demands.
• Israeli objections to the return of displaced residents to their homes in  Gaza is a key issue holding up the negotiations, Qatari officials said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Hamas said that it will not budge on its conditions for the release of captives it holds.
• Separately, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing growing political pressure to halt the sale of British weapons to Israel after the killing of the aid workers in Gaza. Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, wrote to Sunak on Wednesday seeking an “immediate end” to arms sales by the UK to Israel.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticised Israel’s explanation for the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza as “not good enough”, as outrage over the attack continues to reverberate globally.
• Fikri Rofiul Haq, an Indonesian volunteer with the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) based in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, said on Wednesday his team of 13 volunteers were fearful but would continue to distribute aid in the aftermath of the Israeli attack on aid workers.
• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also said he “expressed his outrage” to Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the killing of the aid workers – who included a US citizen.
• US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to speak by telephone later today, a US official told the French news agency, AFP, in their first call since the killing of the aid workers.
• Separately on Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the question of Palestinian statehood should be determined by “direct negotiations” and “not at the United Nations” in response to a question on whether the US would veto a Palestinian Authority bid for full UN membership.
• The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the Middle East, said on Wednesday that US forces had intercepted and destroyed an antiship ballistic missile and two aerial drones launched by Yemen’s Houthis.
• Dennis Francis, the president of the UN General Assembly, said on Wednesday that he is “deeply concerned about the risk of escalation following the recent attack in Damascus”. Francis called for “restraint to avoid further harm and suffering to the people in the Middle East”.

Violence in the occupied West Bank

• On Thursday, Al Jazeera Arabic shared two videos – authenticated by the Sanad verification unit – showing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonating as Israeli forces conduct military raids on the occupied West Bank.
• Young Palestinians were arrested and injured as Israeli forces, accompanied by military bulldozers, conducted raids and destroyed civilian infrastructure in the towns of Qabatiya and Silat al-Dhahr, south of Jenin, and in Jenin city and the Jenin refugee camp on Wednesday.

• China Edition

• China Daily PDF
• China Daily E-paper

3-day holiday bolsters domestic tourism market

Travel: young people help drive tourism consumption.

By Cheng Si | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-04-07 23:36

The just-concluded Qingming Festival holiday proved to be a boon for the tourism industry in the country with both the number of travelers and tourism revenue soaring as people made the most of the short break.

Figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Saturday showed that domestic destinations witnessed about 119 million visits during the three-day holiday, which started on Thursday, the Tomb Sweeping Day, up 11.5 percent compared with 2019. There was only one day off for the occasion last year, and it resulted in 23.77 million domestic visits.

The travel boom during the holiday generated revenue of about 54 billion yuan ($7.47 billion), up 12.7 percent compared with 2019, the ministry said.

Reports and figures from travel agencies and local government departments also paint a positive picture. Travel portal Trip.com Group said that over the holiday, bookings for short-distance tours to destinations within cities customers live in grew 211 percent year-on-year, and bookings to neighboring destinations located outside the cities they live in skyrocketed 350 percent year-on-year.

The top attractions among users of the travel portal were places well known for flower blossoms at this time of the year. Ticket bookings for such attractions surged 391 percent year-on-year.

Luoyang, a city famous for peony flowers in Central China's Henan province, Nyingchi in the Xizang autonomous region with its peach blossom-covered mountains and Nanjing with plum blossoms in the eastern province of Jiangsu, were among the popular destinations for nature lovers during the holiday.

"People have shown a strong desire to travel this holiday, and the tourism market is in continuous recovery," said Qi Chunguang, vice-president of online travel agency Tuniu.

He said the platform saw hotel bookings grow 68 percent year-on-year, and the number of self-driving travelers using Tuniu's services increased 61 percent year-on-year. "The results meet our expectations," he added.

In addition to traditionally popular destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai, lesser-known places also saw huge tourist influx after local food and unique folk activities found viral online fame.

Quanzhou, a city in the southeastern province of Fujian, welcomed a huge number of travelers attracted by its traditional "head-pinned flowers". Qunar, an online travel agency, said that hotel bookings to Quanzhou grew 3.3-fold during the holiday.

"I was stunned by the online short videos of girls wearing well-arranged flowers on their heads. I told my boyfriend that I must try that and take pictures," said Yan Nan, a 27-year-old from Beijing, who traveled to Quanzhou on Wednesday, a day before the holiday began, and returned on Saturday.

Yan said she went to Xunpu village, considered the birthplace of "head-pinned flowers", on Thursday afternoon, and it was crowded. "I booked the service online, which cost 40 yuan. The auntie was very nice and patient, and did the flower arrangement in about half an hour. It was a good experience and I will visit the place again in the near future but avoid the peak travel periods," she said.

Xiao Peng, a researcher from Qunar, said that young people, who are the main drivers of tourism consumption, prefer diverse or unique traveling experiences. "An ancient street or a delicious cuisine may attract a large number of travelers to a place," he said.

The inbound and outbound tourism market also showed good performance over the holiday. According to the National Immigration Administration, the Chinese mainland saw about 5.19 million entries and exits, up 69.6 percent year-on-year.

Qi Chunguang, vice-president of Tuniu, said: "Thailand, Japan, the Maldives, Egypt and New Zealand were popular among our customers. Some tailored tour products to Southeast Asian destinations including Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand were also popular, especially among young people, age 25 to 35, as the three countries are visa-free for Chinese citizens."