I SEEN @
I SEEN @ ITB BERLIN 2024 I Egypt's timeless tourism offers were proudly on display at ITB Berlin 2024 Egypt experienced a significant increase in tourism in 2023, welcoming 15 million visitors, up by 4.9 million compared to 2021. Tourism is not a new trend in Egypt, however, as tourists started visiting the country over 5,000 years ago. And still, the list of treasures keeps growing. Recently an impressive statue of Ramses II was unearthed, ancient tombs discovered, new mummies brought to light, and an incredible 2,500-year-old funerary tunnel revealed. It is no surprise then that Egypt is one of Lonely Planet's Best Destination affordable choices for 2024. European tourists. The Citadel of Saladin in Cairo, built in 1173, has also been extensively revamped. Countless other architectural gems, including domes, minarets and a 12th century synagogue have been restored while the tourist infrastructure has been improved and extended. There is a new 4.7 km walkway along the Nile and exciting developments in hotels and resorts. Old Cairo is being restored and pedestrian zones established. Egypt projects to welcome 30 million visitors by 2028 with room capacities in hotel due to rise from 30,000 to 60,000 within the next 5 years The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to fully open in late spring of 2024, with some areas already open, including "Tutankhamun – The Immersive Exhibition", a 360° spectacle. According to the destination, it will be the largst museum dedicated to a single civilisation. Nearby, a new visitor centre is due to open in a few weeks within the forthcoming transformation at the Pyramids of Giza. Cairo also is undergoing an ambitious programme of restoration and development that will make it an attractive city break option for Oman's Sur named Capital of Arab Tourism 2024 The Wilayat of Sur was selected at the end of last year as Arab tourism capital for 2024 thanks to its diversity of tourist activities. © Ministry of Heritage & Tourism Sultanate of Oman At the round table press event at Oman's stand on the first day of ITB Berlin, H.E. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of Tourism at Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, shared some of Sur's outstanding attractions. The Undersecretary presented the wealth of events that are being prepared to celebrate the selection of Sur at the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism last December and outlined several of the unique activities the city on the Eastern coast of Oman has to offer. Active and eco-conscious tourists will find a long list of things to see and do in Sur, said Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, citing examples such as Majlis al-Jinn, the largest cave in Oman and "ideal for adventure enthusiasts," as well as the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve where no less than five turtle species lay their eggs. A seaside city, Sur has a long maritime tradition. "Sur is embraced by the sea and has a very rich seafaring history," said Al Busaidi. Activities such as traditional ship building are on offer and the Undersecretary also mentioned the city's impressive Maritime Heritage Museum. Apart from Sur, Al Busaidi also spotlighted another unique spot at the round table event, Salalah, which is touched by the special phenomenon that effects the south of Oman from June to September: Khareef, or the monsoon season. Thanks to its considerable rainfall, Salalah, the Sultanate's third largest city, becomes verdant and cool. "The entire place transforms from brown to green. And for three months, it becomes one of the leading destinations for the region," affirmed the Undersecretary 20 ITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 14 TH MARCH 2024 news.itb.com
