MoTA Newsletter_June 2022_Eng

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Newsletter



June 2022 - Issue 30


A New Promotional Campaign for the Summer



































On June 30, the Ministry launched its summer promotional campaign titled
"The day in Egypt never ends". This campaign targets the Arab and Gulf region
mainly, in addition to domestic tourism. The campaign video will be displayed

on a number of TV channels in Arab markets and various social media platforms.


Lifting All COVID-19-Related Restrictions on Arrivals


On June 16, the Supreme Committee for the Management of Pandemics
approved a decision to lift all COVID-19-related restrictions on arrivals of

Egyptian nationals or foreigners starting from June 17. Around 86.6 million
doses of various types of COVID19- vaccines have been administered so far,
and 4.5 million booster shots were also provided.



P P
2 The Holy Family 30
Journey in Egypt
HE the President
Ratifies the Law
Organizing Hajj and
Establishing its Unified
Portal Follow the Sun” Wins” P Egypt is the Second P
Best Tourism Campaign 12 Best destination 32
on Ad colony for Snorkeling and
Relaxation

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 1

News


HE the President Ratifies the Law Organizing Hajj and Establishing

its Unified Portal

On June 12, His Excellency the President ratified Law No. 84 of 2022 organizing
Hajj and establishing the unified Egyptian portal for Hajj.


The PM Reviews the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism








































On June 6, the Prime Minister held a meeting to review the National Strategy

for Sustainable Tourism. This strategy was commissioned by the Egyptian
Tourism Federation (ETF) and the Ministry and prepared by an international

expert group. Its formulates a strategic framework for Egyptian tourism that
complies with national strategies in order to develop the tourism sector in a
sustainable manner, as well as preparing a comprehensive general framework

for the development of the entire industry.
The Global Consulting Office praised the infrastructure taking place in Egypt
over the last years, as well as the legislations and procedures in the tourism

sector.

Workshop to Review the Strategy


The Minister participated in a workshop organized by the ETF presenting the
updates of the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in Egypt. The updates

tackle changes that occured in the tourism sector worldwide, in previous
years. A number of ministry officials, the ETF, and nearly 100 participants from
the tourism sector participated.


2 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

The PM Reviews Progress in the Tourism and Aviation Sectors





















































The Prime Minister held two meetings with the Minister and the Minister of
Civil Aviation to review the progress in the two sectors and the numbers of

inbound tourism. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government is ready
to undertake all necessary measures and and give incentives to increase

inbound tourism and boost the tourism sector.
The meeting reviewed the two ministers proposal to operate low-cost flights,
and aviation incentives.


Discussing Ways to Boost Air Travel and In Bound Tourism



The Minister and the Minister of Civil Aviation met in June to discuss ways

of joint cooperation between the two ministries to attract more air travel
and invound tourism to Egypt. They also discussed promotional tactics for
the summer, like flight incentives and linking coastal tourist resorts with

archaeological sites.
Flight incentives includes discounts on landing ,housing & ground handling
fees in airports of touristic cities.



Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 3

Following up on Maximize Yacht Tourism



The Prime Minister (PM) held a meeting to follow up the implementation
of H.E. the President's directives to boost yacht tourism in Egypt. In that
respect Egypt is launching a digital platform to facilitate yacht tourism
in the country, in a move aimed at easing procedures and obtaining of

security permits through a single portal, "single window for yachting
tourism", along with preparing the unified code for the establishment
and operation of ports and tourist marinas. The PM directed the Ministry
to launch a campaign to promote the new system Egypt is adopting to

maximizing yacht tourism.























The Prime Minister Visits Saint Catherine



On June 3, the Prime Minister visited the projedt to develope the "Valley of
the Monastery", in the vicinity of St. Catherine's Monastery to follow up the
progress of work there. Raising the efficiency of the area includes upgrading the
main pedestrian path

in Wadi Al-Arbaeen
from the visitor center
to the city center,

to transform it into
a atural park. It also
includes refurbishing
the city's heritage
center, renovating

the mosque, public
service buildings
and the commercial

market, and adds new
shops, in addition to
improving services
provided to visitors.


4 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

The Cabinet Approves Reorganizing the Supreme Council of Antiquities

In its meeting, on June 23, the Cabinet approved the Prime Minister's decree

regarding the reorganization of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The Standing Committee for Licensing Hotel and Tourism Establishments

Conducts its First Meeting


The Minister chaired the first meeting of the Standing Committee for Licensing
of Hotel and Tourism Establishments formed by a Prime Minister's decree.
The objective and mechanisms of the committee were discussed during the

meeting. The mechanisms for facilitation of issuing establishments licenses
include the application of the one-stop-shop policy, coordination with
Food Safety Authority, inspection of hotel and tourist establishments in the

governorates and coordination with the Tourism and Antiquities Police.

CBE Includes Hotels Internet Speed within 8% Initiative to Support

Tourism

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has approved including the Minister’s initiative

to upgrade the efficiency of telecommunications services and internet speed
for hotels, within its initiative to finance the renewal or replacement of hotels,

marinas, and touristic transport fleets a diminishing interest rate of 8%.

Hurghada and Matrouh Receive Tourists from Poland


Hurghada International

Airport received the first
flights of the Polish Buzz
airline arriving from Katowice

airport, Poland.
Ryanair has also started
operating two flights a week

from Warsaw and Katowysk
airports to Hurghada

Matrouh International Airport
also received the first flights
of Smart Wings from Poland.

Egyptian Tourism Authority
(ETA) representatives in

Hurghada and Matrouh
welcomed passengers of
those flights.


Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 5

Meeting of The Board of Directors of ETA

The Minister chaired the meeting of the board of directors of ETA. The meeting

reviwed the most recent numbers of inbound tourism. They also discussed
the promotional video that will be launched soon to promote the new on-

line portal for yacht tourism.
The Board approved ETA's participation in the annual conference of the
(USTOA) in cooperation with the ETF, from November 28 to December ,2

2022. The meeting discussed how to benefit from holding the temporary
exhibition of antiquities "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs", next August

in San Francisco, to promote Egypt in USA.

Meeting of the Board of Directors of SCA


On June 28, the Minister headed the meeting of the Supreme Council of
Antiquities (SCA), board of directors. The meeting reviewed the inauguration

of the development and restoration project of the monastery and church
of Jabal al-Tair in Minya in the coming weeks. Improving visitor services
at archaeological sites was a major topic in this meeting. They reviewed
the ongoing projects of

upgrading services in, the
pyramids of Giza, Salah
Al-Din Citadel, the Baron

Empain Palace, the Egyptian
Museum in Tahrir, and the
palace of Muhammad Ali

in Shubra, among others.
Visitor services, such
as, eco-friendly busses,

parking areas, shades,
equipped medical clinics,
and sign boards and labels
are now provided in 23

archaeological sites and
7 museums. The board
approved continuing

the %50 exemption on
the rental fees for the
tenants of bazaars and

cafeterias in museums and
archaeological sites of SCA
until September 2022.
The Giza Pyramis


6 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Inspection of 91 Tourist Establishments in Cairo and Giza


The Ministry's general administration of control and inspection of tourist
establishments, inspected 91 establishments, restaurants and cafeterias,
in Cairo and Giza. In addition to that, they examined 13 new projects that

applied for a tourism license. Regular inspection visits take place to ensure
compliance with the requirements of quality and food safety.

Hajj season

Inspecting and Documentating Housing Contracts for Pilgrims in KSA

The Ministry’s committees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) headed

by the head of the Central Administration of travel agencies, inspected and
documented housing contracts in which pilgrims of travel agencies will
reside in Mecca and Madinah during during Hajj. Phone numbers of these
committees for pilgrims and travel agencies, to communicate directly with,

are: 0558835153 in Mecca, and 0551731706 in Madinah.

The Supreme Committee for Umrah and Hajj meets with Officials
of the "Tawafa" Company for Arab Pilgrims


The Ministry's Supreme
Committee for Umrah
and Hajj praised economy

level hotels deignated for
pilgrims of travel agencies
in Mecca. The Committee
met with officials of the

"Tawafa" Company for
Arab pilgrims in Mecca,
to coordinate services
provided for pilgrims in

the holy sites Mina - Arafat.

The First Group of Pilgrims Arrive in KSA on June 27

On June 27, the first
group of pilgrims of

travel agencies arrived
in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (KSA). Members
of the Ministry's mission
in Mecca, greeted them

upon arrival at their hotels.





Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 7

The PM Visits Sharm El-Sheikh and Meets the Supreme Committee

in Charge of Preparations for COP27



























































The Prime Minister (PM) visited Sharm El-Sheikh, to follow up on the city's
preparations to host COP 27 next November. Improving the current status of

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport is a major target. The airport’s carrying
capacity will be increased from 7.5 million passengers to 9.5 million passengers

annually. "Green" means of transportation will be used within the airport, in
addition to installing a solar power plant at the airport.
The PM also visited the old market. He was briefed on the plans of the "Old

Cairo" project, in Sharm El-Sheikh, that will mirror Fatimid Cairo. The PM
visited a number of hotels and tourism projects under construction in Nabq.

On June 23, the PM chaired the meeting of the Supreme committee in chage of
preparations of COP 27. It is worth noting that the website of the conference
was launched at the end of May 2022.


8 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Meetings to Follow up Tourism Preparations to Host COP 27


The Minister held a number of meetings follow up on the tourism sector's
preparations for COP 27. On June 29, he met the governor of South Sinai
and another meeting on June 22 with the Minister of Environment. The two

ministers agreed on posting promotional material about Egypt's tourist
destinations on new website of the conference.
The minister held another meeting that discussed the Ministry of Finance's

support for COP27, to capitalize on the conference to promote Egypt. It also
reviewed tourism programs that will be organized for participating delegations
to visit touristic and archaeological sites.

In the same context, Vice Minister for Tourism Affairs held a meeting in Sharm
El-Sheikh to follow up hotel preparations.

"HC" Re-evaluation Committees in Sharm El-Sheikh













































Sharm El-Sheikh


The Minister held a meeting with ministry officials and representatives of
the tourism sector to review the outcome of the committees in charge of re-

evaluating hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh according to the new hospitality criteria
HC, which was developed in cooperation with the UNWTO. The re-evaluation
process of hotels in South Sinai has been completed, as part of the tourism

preparations for the COP27.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 9

Discounts on Annual Pass to Archaeological Sites and Museums are

Still Maintained




































































The Supreme Council of Antiquities continues to grant reduced prices for

annual passes to archaeological and museums, for Egyptians and Arab expats.
These passes do not include the tombs of Queen Nefertari, King Seti I, King
Tutankhamun, and King Ramses Sixth and the National Museum of Egyptian
Civilization in Fustat.

In order to promote foreign and domestic tourism in Upper Egypt during
summer(June, July, August), an annual %50 discount is granted on the prices
of entry tickets for Egyptians and foreigners, to all archaeological sites and
museums, from Beni Suef to Aswan, in addition to the New Valley and Fayoum

governorates.

10 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Annual Visit Passes to Archaeological Sites and Museums for Foreigners












































Pass for Expats

- Annual visit pass: allows its holder to visit all archaeological sites and museums
throughout the year. It is divided into two categories:
- 270$ or Euro 260 (including the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I in Luxor).

- 200$ or Euro190 (without the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I).
- Seasonal visit Pass: allows its holder an unlimited number of visits to all
archaeological sites and museums for three months. It is divided into two
categories:

- 140$ or Euro130 (including the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I in Luxor).
- 100$ or Euro100 (without the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I).


Tourists Passes

- Luxor Pass: allows its holder an unlimited number of visits to all the archaeological
sites and museums in Luxor for five consecutive days. This pass is divided into
two categories:

- Premium Luxor Pass: 200$ or Euro 80 for adults, and 100$ or Euro 90 for students
(including the tombs of Queen Nefertari, King Seti I, and King Tutankhamun).
- Standard Luxor Pass: 100$ or Euro 90 for adults, 50$ or Euro 45 for students (without
the tombs of Queen Nefertari, King Seti I, and King Tutankhamun)

- Cairo Pass: allows its holder an unlimited number of visits to all archaeological
sites and museums in Cairo and Giza for five consecutive days; 100$ or Euro 90
for adults, and in the amount of 50$ or Euro 45 for students.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 11

Tourism Promotion

Follow the Sun” Wins Best Tourism Campaign on Ad colony”



The global Ad colony platform, one
of the largest mobile advertising

networks, announced that “Follow
the Sun” promotional campaign
launched by the ETA last March,
won the best tourism campaign in
May 2022, in Europe, Middle East

and Africa. It reached more than 6.5
million users with nearly 5.2 million
full views. The viewership of the

full campaign video end reached
about %95, while the average rate
is 80 %. The rate of interaction with
the campaign reached a %22 while
the global average is %10.



Miss Elite” 2022 Held Under the Auspices of ETA”

On June 10, the "Miss Elite World 2022" pageant was launched in Egypt for the
first time, under the auspices of the ETA. It was organized by a private tourism

company in Suma Bay, Red Sea. Contestants from 36 countries participated.

ETA Participates in a Number of International Events Hosted by Egypt


The ETA participated in a number
of international events hosted by

Egypt this June. This includes setting
up a booth to promote various
tourist destination, organizing

tourism programs for international
delegations participating, or the
giving participants souvenirs.
Among them are: the first African
Medical Forum, inaugurated by

and held under the auspices of HE
the President, the annual meetings
of the Islamic Development Bank 2022, and the 8th Global Conference of Young

Parliamentarians held in Sharm El-Sheikh; and the International Conference on
Chest and Lung Tumors, held in Cairo under the auspices of the Ministry, the
Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Health and Population,
Culture, Cairo University, and the National Institute of Oncology.


12 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Meetings

Following Up on the progress of Upgrading Internet Speed in Hotels

The Minister met with the Minister of Communications and Information

Technology, on 24 June to follow up on the progress of work in upgrading
the efficiency of telecommunications services and internet speed in hotels
in Sharm El-Sheikh, in preparation for COP 27. They also discussed digital
transformation projects and developing the IT infrastructure in tourism, part

of the protocol between the two ministries.
Meeting the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

On June 19, the Minister received the UN Under-Secretary for Public Security,

Executive Director of the UN Office on Drug and Crime, and the Director-
General of the UN Headquarters in Vienna. They discussed ways to address
illicit trade in intellectual property in light of international conventions. They

also discussed the preparations for Egypt's hosting of the "Cairo Conference
for the Protection of Cultural Heritage: Global Measures to Disrupt Chains of
Illicit Trade and Protection of Cultural Property", that will be held within the
coming months, in cooperation with UNODC, UNESCO and ISESCO.

Meeting His Highness the Saudi Minister of Culture

On June 19, the Minister

received His Highness Minister
of Culture of KSA. They
explored ways for enhancing
cooperation between the

two countries in the field
of antiquities, preservation
and the development of
archaeological sites and

museums.

Meeting an Official of the French Senate

On June 5, the Minister received the head of the Culture, Tourism and
Heritage Committee of the French Senate. They discussed enhancing bilateral
cooperation in the field of tourism and antiquities. They also discussed

increasing the number of French tourists Egypt, and cooperation with French
authorities to repatriate smuggled Egyptian artefatcs.

Meeting the Ambassador of South Korea

The Minister received the Ambassador of South Korea in Cairo, to discuss
strengthening joint cooperation in the field of tourism and antiquities. They
discussed promoting Egypt in South Korea, a proposal to organize cultural

and tourism events, and joint cooperation in the field of technology in the
tourism and antiquities sector.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 13

Discussing Cooperation with UAE and Uzbekistan

The Minister received the Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Cairo and the Cultural
Attache. They discussed increasing the number of tourists from Uzbekistan

to Egypt, increasing the number of flights between the two countries, and
conducting workshops in the field of hospitality, antiquities and museums.

The Minister also received the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates in Cairo to
discuss investment opportunities in the Egyptian tourism sector, cooperation
in the field of hospitality, and increasing the number of UAE tourists to Egypt.


Meeting of the National Committee for Repatriation of Antiquities

On June 5, the National Committee for Repatriation of Antiquities met under

the chairmanship of the Minister. They discussed the latest developments in
the situation of the Egyptian artifacts in the Louvre that are under investigations
by French authorities with the former head of the Louvre Museum in Paris,

that Egypt has been following since 2020.

Following Up on the Progress of Projects


























Muhammad Ali Palace in Shubra

In the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, the Minister

held a meeting with a number of Ministry's officials to follow up the progress
of a number of project especially those are scheduled to be opened soon; the
Palace of Muhammad Ali in Shubra, the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria,

the Monastery and Church of Jabal al-Tair in Minya.

Meeting to Discuss the Execution Status of Antiquities Projects

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities held, at the

Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, a meeting to discuss
the latest developments in various sectors and departments of the Council, the
progress in ongoing projects, archeological excavations, and upgrading visitor

services in the archeological sites and museums.

14 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Meeting with the Ambassador of India


Vice Minister for Tourism Affairs met with the Ambassador of India to discuss

the possibility of increasing tourism influx from India to Egypt. They also
discussed showcasing cultural tourism in Egypt in promotional campaigns in
India.

Meeting Representatives of 24 Mexican Travel Agents











































The CEO of the ETA met with a delegation comprising 24 directors and
officials of Mexican tourism companies in the presence of the Ambassador of

the State of Mexico in Cairo during their visit to Egypt to gather information
about the Egyptian tourism destination.

Tourism, Archaeological Awareness & Training


Discussing the Scientific Contents of the School of Civilization


The Minister held meetings with Ministry officials, experts, university
professors and directors of foreign archaeological institutes in Egypt.They

discussed increasing tourism awareness among children and adults. They
also discussed, the scientific content of the multimedia that will be presented

in the GEM, as well as at the School of Egyptian Civilization, which will start
in September, at the NMEC. They also talked about preparing promotional
content to celebrate 200 years of Egyptology, and centenary of the discovery

of King Tutankhamun's tomb.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 15

Organizing a Awareness Convoy in Minya and Assiut




































The Ministry organized a tourism awareness convoy to Minya and

Assiut, targeting university and school students, in coordination with the
governorates, and concerned bodies.

A Tourism Awareness Program for Citizens of Border Provinces

The Ministry organized a tourism awareness program for 56 school students
of the border governorates (Matrouh, New Valley, North Sinai and Aswan).

They visitedt a number of tourist and archaeological sites in Cairo and Giza,
in coordination with the governorates and concerned authorities.


A Seminar on the Implications of Climate change on Tourism
Under the auspices of the Ministry, the office of the ETA in Alexandria, in

coordination with the Ministry of Environment represented by the "One
Million Young Volunteers" Initiative for Climate Adaptation "Climate
Ambassadors", organized a seminar titled "Climate change and its impact on

the tourism sector and ways to metigate it".

Training Hotel Employees in Sharm El-Sheikh


This month, the Ministry conducted training programs for hptel employees
in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the basics of food safety and its sustainable solutions
and public health. This training is part of the tourism preparations for "COP

27" conference.
In June, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Egyptian Hotel Association,

organized a training program to qualify hotel employees in Sharm El-Sheikh
on the principles of environmental protection and concepts of sustainability.


16 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

International Participation


Participating in the 8 International Conference on Egyptology in Spain
th
































Qubbet el-Hawa, Aswan

Under the title “Art and Archeology in the Old Kingdom”, the Ministry,
participated in the 8th International Conference on Egyptology, organized

by the Spanish University of Jaén, at the Iberian Museum, Spain. The director
general of Aswan and Nuba Antiquities in SCA and the head of the Minister's
scientific office presented the reformulation project of the air dome in Aswan

during the Old Kingdom, the Ministry's efforts to develop archaeological sites
in Aswan and upgrade visitor services, and gave a keynote lecture on the tomb

of Ra Shepses a vizier from the Fifth Dynasty.

And a Number of Conferences Around the World

The Supreme Council of Antiquities, participated in conferences and forums

in a number of countries, in June. The head of the Central Administration
for the Registration of Egyptian Antiquities participated in the international
scientific conference organized by the Institute of Egyptian Archeology in

Tubingen, Germany under the title "The city of Atribes and temples as cultural
and religious centers”. SCA also participated in the regional forum for “the
protection of heritage in crisis times” held in Beirut, Lebanon.


Discussing Repatriating Egyptian Antiquities Smuggled to Switzerland


The General Supervisor of the Administration of Repatriation, and the Legal
Advisor to the Minister, for the Grand Egyptian Museum held a meeting
in Switzerland with the Director of the Department for the International

Transfer of Cultural Property at the Federal Office of Culture. They discussed
repatriating smuggled Egyptian antiquities smuggled to Switzerland.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 17

Digital Transformation

Following Up on the Progress of the Promotional and Official Websites


The Minister held a meeting to review the progress of the promotional website
of the ETA. The executing company presented the latest developments in

the website, and its content. Work on the official website of the Ministry of
Tourism and Antiquities (services website) entered an advanced stage and

both websited will be launched soon.


Implementing E- ticketing in Two Archaeological Sites and a Museum




























































Since June 1, the Ministry started operating the electronic ticketing system
at Luxor Museum, the Temple of Esna in Luxor, and the Temple of Dandara

in Qena as part of the Ministry’s plan for digital transformation. This system
targets 30 archaeological sites and museums open for visits, andis scheduled

to be fully implemented by the end of 2022. So far, E-ticketing has been
activated in 22 archaeological sites and museums.


18 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Archaeological Discoveries

Unearthing Stone Blocks from the Reign of King Khufu in Heliopolis




























The joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission working in Matariya
(Heliopolis) discovered granite stone blocks from the era of King Khufu in the
Temple of the Sun, in addition to the foundations of the temple's courtyard. The
findings date back to theNew Kingdom. A number of statues and altars, were also

unearthed, while completing excavations on the west side of the open museum of
the obelisk of King Senusret I in Mataria. This is the first time that antiquities from
the reign of King Khufu are discovered in this area.

Archaeological Projects


Restoration of the Monestary and Church of Jabal al-Tair in Minya






























Assistant Minister for Antiquities and Museums Projects and the Head of the
Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the SCA visited the Monastery
and Church of the Virgin Mary in Jabal Al-Tair, to follow up on the restoration
work there. This site is one of the important points on the path of the Holy

Family Trail in Egypt. Its Restoration is part of the project to revive the Path of
the Holy Family.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 19

The Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria









































The Minister visited the
Greco-Roman Museum

in Alexandria to follow
up on the progress work
in its restoration and

development project.
This project is amongst
efforts to boost tourism

in Alexandria.
Work is underway to
move the crocodile

temple, which was
displayed in the museum

garden, inside the
museum. Artifacts are
currently being installed

in their display positions,
and large and medium-

sized artifacts are now being transfered to the museum, from a number of
museum stores, including Marina, Maria, and others. The museum includes
a large historical library with about 25,000 rare books, and centers for the

preservation and conservation of antiquities.

20 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

A New Display for Artifacts in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir

Meidum Geese








The display of a number of artifacts in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has
been changed as a part of the museum's development project. They iclude:

the statues of Kings Djoser, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and two paintings,
the famous of Meidum Geese, and the Blue Faience.
The Develeopment project of the museum is implemented by the Egyptian
Scientific Committee and the trustees of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, with
a grant from the EU in cooperation with five European museums, namely: the

Louvre in Paris, the Egyptian in Turin, the National Antiquities in Blyden, the
Egyptian in Berlin, and the British in London.



























































Khufu Statue Menkaure Statue


Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 21

Inauguration of the Library of Tanta Archaeological Museum

The Head of the Museums Sector at the SCA inaugurated the library of

Tanta Archaeological Museum to provide a cultural and scientific service for
researchers in the Delta region in the field of archeology and historical studies.
The library holds a diverse collection of 1,500 books and volumes specialized in
Egyptian, Islamic, Coptic, and Greco-Roman archaeology in multiple languages,
and other miscellaneous books on the Antiquities Protection Law, and a group
of French Institute publications.

National Events and Celebrations

Baron Empain Palace Celebrates World Environment Day

































As part of the celebration of World Environment Day, on June 5, Baron Empain
Palace in Heliopolis organized a number of events, under the slogan "We
only own one land", in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, the
UNESCO Future Builders Club, and the National Authority for food safety. The
celebration included lectures for children from the Asmarat neighborhood.


Celebrating World Music Day

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and
the Coptic Museum in Historic Cairo

celebrated World Music Day, on June 21.
Both museums organized a special display
of some musical instruments.
Under the title “Melodies and Tunes”,
the Egyptian Museum showcased musical
instruments used in ancient Egypt during
religious rituals and ceremonies. The Coptic
Museum held an exhibition that included
two pieces of a flute and tambourine.


22 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

News Highlights

The First Suez Festival for Music Attended by 5000 Spectators



































National Museum of Suez


Under the patronage of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, the Minister
and Governor of Suez launched the First Suez Festival for Music and Singing,
which was held at the yard of the National Museum of Suez in cooperation

between the Ministry of Culture represented by Cairo Opera House and the
Ministry represented by ETA, and Suez Governorate. The event was attended
by members of the parliament, the Senate, public, officials feom Suez, and
5,000 spectators from the people of Suez and the cities of the canal.


Participating in the Celebration of NBE to Exhibit its Belongings


The Minister participated in the National Bank of Egypt’s (NBE), celebration
for the opening of the exhibition of the bank's belongings. The Chairman of

the Board of Directors of NBE indicated that this initiative is part of the bank's
project to revive its heritage.

The National Day of Italy

The Minister participated in the celebration of the Italian Embassy in Cairo of
the 76th anniversary of the National Day of Italy


The Egyptian Embassy in Malta receives the Minister's Honor Award

The Egyptian Embassy in Malta received an Honor Award granted to the
Minister, the President of Malta. This was during the 4th Forum of the

Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, held in Valletta. The President of Malta
stressed the importance of tourism as an important resource for economic
and social development.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 23

"Launching a Project to Support Women in the Tourism Sector


The Minister attended
the launching event of
the "Supporting the
creation of a safe work
environment that achieves

equality for women in the
tourism sector" project.
the project is implemented
by the Ministry and the
Women's National Council
in cooperation with
the Spanish Agency for
International Cooperation
for Development. It's aim

is to integrate hundreds of
female workers in the sector, and female students of the Tourism and Hotels
Faculty, in the Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh.

Participating in the Marketers Conference in Galala and the 14 th

Forum for Arab Tourism

On behalf of the Minister, the CEO of ETA participated in the opening session

of the conference of marketers in its 7th session, which was held in Galala,
Ain Sukhna. He presented the steps taken by the Ministry to prepare a brand
strategy to promote Egyptian tourism destinations.
He also attended the opening of the 14th forum of Arab Tourism Media, held

in Cairo under the auspices of ETA .

The Deity Silket Welcomes
Visitors at Airports



The ETA, installed a number
of replicas, of the statue of the
goddess Silket, at airports for)
to receive visitors. The replicas
are produced by Kunooz Factory

for archaeological replicas.
Three of them are now in arrival
terminals 2 ,1 and 3 at Cairo

International Airport. Similar
statues are now being installed
at airports of Sharm El Sheikh,
Hurghada, Luxor, and Aswan.


24 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Kharga is the First "Green" City in Egypt






























El Bagawat, Kharga

The Ministry of Environment announced the city of Kharga in the New Valley
Governorate, as the first "Green" city in Egypt. It is considered an ideal model
for eco-tourism. Hotels and tourist establishments are built with distinctive
building materials. The city is also adopting the project for planting rooftops.


Preparing a Guide for Management of Cultural Heritage Sites

The Ministry, represented by the General Department of International
Relations and Agreements and the General Department for Services at the

tourist and archaeological sites and museums in Sabeel Suleiman Agha al-
Silhdar in al-Muizz Street, Cairo, organized a workshop to prepare a guide
to display and interpret cultural heritage sites in Egypt in both Arabic and
English, in coordination with the UNESCO office in Cairo.


New Volume on Science and Technology of Materials in ancient Egypt


The SCA, in cooperation with the French Institute of Oriental Archeology
(IFAO), issued a volume titled “Materials Sciences and Techniques in Ancient
Egypt”.

Administration


Emplyment Confirmation of 3,269 SCA Contracted Employees of


The Central Agency for Organization and Administration has completed
the study of the proposal to confirm the employment of 3,868 temporary

employees of the SCA. The study resulted in approving the confirmation of
3269 contracted employees, and postponing 591 for further study. The names
of the 3269 emplyees can be followed up on through this link: https://www.
facebook.com/antiquities.gov.


Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 25

International Archeological Exhibitions

A Delegation from the Ministry Visits “Towards the Mosque” Exhibition


An official delegation headed

by assistant Minister for
Cabinate affairs, visited KSA
to monitor the exhibition

“Towards the Mosque” in
the Ithra Museum at the King
Abdul-Aziz International
Cultural Center in Dhahran.
In response to the request

of the Saudi's request, the
exhibition will be extended
for another year to end in

November 2023.



From the Center of Documentation Archive





















































The High Dam, Aswan 1960


26 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization


Egypt Hosts “Anti-Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing in

Investigations Concerning Crimes of Art and Antiquities” Conference

































On June 2, the Minister participated in the opening session of the first
regional conference on “Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
in Investigations Concerning Art and Antiquities Crimes,” organized by the

Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Unit in Egypt in cooperation
with the EU, and held at the Museum.
NMEC Receives Delegations from Maldives, Indonesia and the World Bank






























The Italian Delegations
NMEC received official delegations from the Maldives, Indonesia, and the
World Bank. Among them were; Ministers of Finance and Economy of the
Maldives, President of the Central Bank of Indonesia, Chairman and members
of the Board of Directors of the World Bank. In addition, the first Italian tourist

delegation to arrive in Matrouh from, Milan, Italy, visited the museum.

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 27

UNHCR Celebrates World Refugee Day at the Museum

NMEC hosted 50 young refugees,

from Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan.
This is as part of the program
by the UN High Commissioner
for Refugee Affairs (UNHCR) in

cooperation with the Ministry, to
organize tours for a number of
refugees to Egyptian museums.
This visit took place on World

Refugee Day, celebrated on June
20 every year.

“A Workshop for Children Titled “Recycling is better










































Under the title "Recycling is better", the
Museum's educational department

organized a workshop for children
from 5 to 12 years old on recycling.
The workshop aims to raise awareness
on the concepts of environmental

resource conservation. The museum
also arranged a workshop on the craft
of papyrus manufacturing and related
arts.


28 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

The Grand Egyptian Museum



Following Up on the Progress of work in Visitors Services in the GEM








































The Minister held two consecutive meetings to review the progress so far in

providing and operating services to GEM visitor with the alliance in charge of
providing and operating services. Thefirst meeting reviewed the promotional
strategy and advertising campaigns for the Museum that will be launched
on various social media platforms. They discussed the possibility of the

participation of the alliance in the Egyptian booths participating in international
tourism exhibitions. The second meeting discussed the museum's display
scenario for the main halls and halls of King Tutankhamen, the progress in
the transfer of artifacts to the museum.


Discussing the Scientific and Archaeological Content of Multimedia

and Graphics for the Second Phase of the Museum Exhibition

The Minister held a meeting to review the final stages of the scientific and
archaeological content of the multimedia and graphics for the second phase

of the museum exhibition. They will be displayed in the main exhibition
halls of the museum. Content of videos, scientific texts, and labels were also
reviewed.
The meeting was attended by the General Supervisor of the Museum and

the surrounding area, Secretary-General of SCA, Assistant Minister for
Archaeological Affairs at the Museum, Executive Vice President of the NMEC
Authority for Archaeological Affairs, Advisor to the Minister for Museum
Display, Head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities.


Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 29

The Holy Family Journey in Egypt





































From the Monasteries of Wadi Al-Natrun

By Dr. Ahmed Al-Nimr, Member of the Minister’s Scientific Office


On June 1, we celebrate the anniversary of the day the Holy Family entered Egypt
seeking sanctuary in its land.

The special religious status that the Egyptian Coptic Church has among Christian
churches around the world, is because of its connection to the Holy Family’s
journey in Egypt. Egypt has always been the sanctuary for everyone seeking safety.
Its land was not strange to the prophets, Youssef peace be upon him came to Egypt,
Youssef al-Najjar took Virgin Mary and her child on a holy journey through its land
to escape Herod.

The Holy Family did not settle in one place during its stay in Egypt. They moved from

one place to another from Sinai to the Nile Delta until they reached the middle of
Upper Egypt.
This sacred journey is an exceptional part of Egyptian heritages which has been

recorded in religious and historical sources such as the Bible, the Synaxarium
(biography of the saints), the mimar (sayings of the fathers), and the rare manuscripts
preserved in the Coptic monasteries and churches in Egypt.

The profound impact of the Holy journey lies in the humanitarian nature of the
stories that are still told about the life of Christ, and is engraved in the collective
mind and hearts of Egyptians.

These sources tell us about the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt and the miracles
that happened there. There is a papyrus, dating back to the fourth century AD, and
published by the University of Cologne in Germany in 1997, that determines the
duration of the Holy Family’s stay in Egypt. This papyrus is written in the Fayoum Coptic
dialect. Recently, the Pope of the Vatican issued a decision approving the Holy Family's
Journey in Egypt as one of the world's sacred Christian pilgrimage routes.

30 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022

Virgin Mary’s Tree

This cultural heritage is linked to a number of archaeological sites that tell many
stories of the Holy Journey. The Holy Family entered Egypt through the Sinai desert,
from Arish and Al-Farma. According to Coptic religious and historical sources the

Holy Journey in Egypt was divided into three phases:

- The first phase: (Al-Arish - Al-Farma - Tel Basta – Mostorod- Belbeis - Samannoud
City - Sakha - Wadi Al-Natrun)
- The second phase: (Matareya - Babylon (Old Egypt) - Memphis - Maadi)
- The third phase: (Al-Bahnasa - Gabal Al-Tair - Al-Ashmunin - Felice - Qasqam - Mir
- Mount Qasqam - Gabal Drunka)


The Holy Family spent a week or a few days in some cities, a month or more in
others, and the longest period was in Mount Qosqam, where they stayed 185 days.
The Holy Family stayed in Egypt for around four years, until the death of King Herod
(Archaeus ruled after his death).
Some of the Journey’s sites are registered as Coptic monuments and represent
important stops on the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt; namely: Tell Al-Farma

and Tell Basta, the Church of the Martyr Abanoub and the Virgin Mary in Gharbia,
Maryam Tree, Abu Sarga Church, the monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun, the Church
of the Virgin Mary in Gabal Al-Tayr, and Deir al-Muharraq.
Christians in Egypt seek blessing in this journey where. A religious ritual "Al-
Mouled", is held in the stops on the path of the Holy Family. Among the most
famous of these religious celebrations, those that take place in the "Jabal Dranka"
cave and "Deir Al-Muharraq" in Assiut, and the celebrations of the Church of the

"Virgin Lady" in Jabal Al-Tair near Minya, where the Coptic Church celebrates the
arrival of the Holy Family. These celebrations are not limited to the stps located
in Upper Egypt but also in Cairo, especially in the Al-Maghara Church (Church
of Abu Serga) in Old Cairo, and the Church of the Virgin Mary in Mostorod. This
tradition is considered a revival of ideas and beliefs associated with this Holy.


Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022 31

Last Page


Egypt is the Second Best destination for Snorkeling and Relaxation



The British Tourism Trend
website chose Egypt as the
second best destination in
the world for snorkeling,
diving and marine activities
where there are many

places to practice this
sport, such as Hurghada
and Dahab.
This website also chose
Egypt as the second best
destination for relaxation
because Egypt is rich in

serene places.













































Editor: Rana Gohar Ministry Hotline: 19654 Follow us on
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Co-editor: Mohamed Saad Misr Travel Tower, Abbasseya Square https://www.facebook.com/tourismandantiq
Cairo, Egypt https://www.instagram.com/ministry_tourism_
Assistant-editor: Ebtesam Yehya antiquities
https://www.twitter.com/tourismandantiq
Translation by: Randa Magdy
Experience Egypt
Designer: Marwa El Shimy https://www.facebook.com/eg.experienceegypt
https://www.instagram.com/experienceegypt
Newsletter Issues www.egymonuments.gov.eg https://www.twitter.com/ExperienceEgypt
Printed by: MoTA Press https://egypt.travel
32 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Newsletter - Issue 30 - June 2022