Facilities to Arab tourists and Egyptian convoys to North Africa

In a symposium organized by the Tourism Writers Association under Galal Dweidar, and with the attendance of a large number of media men and travel agents, Egypt's Minister of Tourism Mamdouh El Beltagui asserted that the activation of inter-Arab tourism is a strategic target, as it represents 42 percent of the global tourist movement between the Arab states.

The Minister pointed out that the events of September 11 had a negative impacts on the world tourism in general, and the alternative, therefore, is the inter-Arab tourism, not only to Egypt, but to all tourist destinations.

He pointed that immediately after the crisis, the ministry made intensive contacts with the Arab concerned parties, and carried out marketing and promotion campaigns, which resulted in the increase of Arab tourists to Egypt.

This was beside the Egyptian tourism convoy that proceeded to six Arab countries to deal directly with the tourist decision makers, and to be acquainted directly with up the obstacles and problems that face the tourists.

Four other convoys will travel during May to Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco to promote the Egyptian tourism.

The government agreed to some facilities to Arab tourists such as granting the entry visa within less than 72 hours, and making the visas valid for multiple entries during one year, and the facilitation of customs formalities of the cars.