The Embassy of India in Cairo hosted a momentous Tourism Promotion Event on August 16, 2023, aimed at fostering closer ties between India and Egypt through enhanced tourism collaboration. The event, which received support from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, various tourism offices, and agencies in Egypt, marked a significant step in further strengthening the historical bond between the two nations. The Ambassador of India to Egypt, Mr. Ajit Gupte, delivered a resounding message of cooperation and mutual growth during the event. He highlighted the earnest efforts being made to boost tourism opportunities between India and Egypt, emphasizing the importance of nurturing tourism ties for an enriched bilateral relationship.
The historical connections between India and Egypt are deeply rooted, with both nations being among the world’s oldest civilizations. The recent years have witnessed an upsurge in these connections through high-level exchanges. Notable visits from India to Egypt in 2022, including that of India’s Raksha Mantri in September, the External Affairs Minister in October, and the Minister of Environment in November for COP 27, have paved the way for deeper engagement.
The year 2023 marked a momentous milestone with Egyptian President Sisi gracing India’s Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. This gesture was reciprocated when the Indian Prime Minister visited Egypt in June, cementing the spirit of cooperation and friendship between the two nations. In his address, Ambassador Ajit Gupte underlined the transformative power of tourism in strengthening people-to-people connections. While official visits hold immense significance, it is the interactions between ordinary citizens that truly shape the fabric of bilateral relations. Both India and Egypt boast iconic landmarks – the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Pyramids in Egypt – that resonate with each other, symbolizing the shared cultural and historical threads that bind them. However, the current volume of tourists between the two nations falls short of their potential.
Ambassador Gupte highlighted the plethora of attractions awaiting exploration in both countries. Egypt’s breathtaking destinations such as Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, Alexandria, and others were underscored as must-visit locations for Indian travellers. Similarly, India’s diverse offerings, ranging from the serene landscapes of Kerala to the vibrant markets of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, present an array of experiences for Egyptian tourists to savour. The establishment of direct flights between Cairo and New Delhi, along with the Cairo-Mumbai route, was celebrated by the Ambassador as a significant step in enhancing connectivity – a cornerstone of successful tourism partnerships. India’s rich cultural heritage, its burgeoning medical tourism industry, and the allure of its diverse landscapes promise unique experiences for Egyptian tourists.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with Ambassador Ajit Gupte expressing his belief in a promising future for India-Egypt tourism ties. He reiterated his hope that the shared legacy spanning millennia will continue to evolve and deepen, creating lasting bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two nations. As both India and Egypt look forward to a future characterized by strengthened bilateral relations, it is clear that tourism will play an instrumental role in bridging the gap between civilizations and fostering enduring connections.
