CAIRO: The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) has visited Oman as the second stop on its regional roadshow across the Arab world. During this inaugural visit to the country, the ETA focused on initiatives to build stronger ties between Egypt and the tourism industry in Oman. The ETA delegation, led by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt, included Counselor to the ETA Chairman Mr Anwar Abou Elella as well as officials from the Egyptian Chamber of Tourism and leading members of the travel trade. In an official meeting as part of the roadshow, the Undersecretary of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism also met with Engineer Salim bin Said Al Ghattami, chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They discussed measures for promoting cooperation between the private companies in Oman and Egypt in the field of tourism. They also discussed initiatives to promote cooperation between travel agencies in both countries, exchange expertise in the field of tourism and expand cooperation between training institutes. "The spectacular investment from the Gulf in Egypt's tourism sector in Cairo, Alexandria, the Red Sea and North Coast over the last two years by Gulf investors is a powerful affirmation of the continued and growing importance of Egypt as a cultural capital for the Arab world and a richly attractive tourism destination for Gulf travelers, said ETA Chairman Amr El Ezabi. "Egypt continues to be one of the world's most popular tourism destinations and a perennial favorite among Gulf Arab travelers and a home away from home for many. The real estate ownership reforms and attractive prices have encouraged many more Gulf Arabs to purchase holiday homes in Egypt and our burgeoning tourism infrastructure has drawn ever greater numbers to Egypt, which remains the entertainment capital of the Middle East. The roadshow was attended by approximately 200 guests including ambassadors of foreign missions in Oman, general managers of several travel agencies and members of the press. Specifically, the ETA delegation met several private Omani companies working in the field of travel and tourism. The event culminated with a gala dinner and performance by Egyptian singer Mohamed Tharwat.
