Egypt Tourism Minister in India to welcome Indian travellers

His Excellency Mr. Khaled el Bakley, Ambassador of Egypt to India & Egyptian Minister of Tourism Mr Hisham Zaazou with other delegates

Mumbai : Egyptian Minister of Tourism Mr Hisham Zaazou is in India as part of the high-level delegation led by the President of Egypt, Dr Mohamed Morsi from March 18-21, 2013. The delegation of ministers and business leaders from Egypt is here to promote and facilitate investments and joint ventures as well as to provide incentives to businesses in India to foster activities in the field of tourism.

The Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Government of the Republic of India aim to foster the existing tourism relations between the two countries within the framework of the implementation of the Agreement in the field of tourism co-operation signed by both countries on October 11, 1991.  They are therefore looking at granting visa-on-arrival to Indian tourists visiting Egypt. A protocol of co-operation is expected to be signed between the two countries towards this. The Tourism Minister is also scheduled to announce a new and direct Egypt Air flight connecting New Delhi and Cairo to encourage traffic from both sides.

Mr Zaazou met the Indian travel fraternity and the media during his visit to promote Egypt as a destination. The press conference was held in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Khaled el Bakley, Ambassador of Egypt to India. The delegation also attended the India-Egypt economic forum today in New Delhi. Mr. Adel Masry, Director of Egyptian Tourism Office in India, said, “India and Egypt have such cultural and social similarities even though they are in different continents. Through this visit, we want to show how serious we are of furthering bilateral relations with India. We are sure that this visit will encourage tourist and trade traffic from both countries and foster a beautiful relationship between India and Egypt.”

Other members of the delegation travelling to New Delhi include Dr George Nader El Beblawy from the Egyptian Tourism Federation.

The new Egyptian government headed by Mr. Morsi is looking at a deeper engagement with India and diversify their existing relationship. The Egyptian business delegation will hold meetings with India’s three apex business bodies – FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.