BERIN - The Egyptian economy and tourism will be witnessing positive signs as well as better times ahead because the Cairo government is exerting strenuous efforts to restore security, a cabinet minister told the participants at a major fair in Berlin. Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour said that the government was determined to help upgrade the tourism industry, a vital engine for the Egyptian economy, through implementing a host of projects for developing tourist facilities nationwide. "These projects have been designed to prop up tourism industry, which was hit after the downfall of the previous regime on February 11, 2011," Minister Abdel-Nour told a press conference after the official opening of the five-day International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin earlier in the day. He expected the country's vital tourism business to recover gradually before the end of this year thanks to a promotion campaign that had been launched by his Ministry. "The signs of recovery will be witnessed before the end of this year," Minister Abdel-Nour said, adding that the government of Dr. Kamal el-Ganzouri has made strides in restoring security. The government aims to achieve 3.5 per cent economic growth in the fiscal year, which begins on July 1, the minister told reporters. "Egypt is targeting an economic growth of 3.5 per cent with the hope that the tourism sector will restore its strength," he said. About 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries are taking part in the ITB show, which runs until Sunday. The ITB show got off to a grand, colourful start with Egyptian folk dances that attracted considerable attention in the high-profile networking event of the tourism industry Minister Abdel-Nour said that Egypt's participation in ITB 2012 will help boost the number of the German tourists into Egypt and promote the country's tourist attractions in the European market. "The Ministry is keen to showcase the best of Egypt's rare tourist attractions and rich heritage at this global event. We also want to explore all the avenues possible to boost Egypt's position and attract more German and European tourists."
