Global Tourism Council(GTC)’s maiden convention in Cairo has infused a new energy in millenniums old trade partners -India and Egypt to re-invent trade, investment and travel between the two ancient civilisations.
Ashish Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Transport & Port Home Department, Government of Maharashtra, said at the inaugural of GTC Convention at the iconic Marriott Mena House in Cairo: “India is currently moving forward with fastest growing economy and increased tourist traffic . This, together with demographic growth will benefit countries like Egypt, who share long cultural ties.”
India and Egypt had flourishing trade partnership through ports of Alexandria and Muziris, ancient port in present day Kerala, in Southern India and exchanged spices, pottery, gems and jewellery.
Ahmed Yusuf, Chairman, Egypt Tourism Promotion Board, said : “India has one of eight Egypt’s overseas tourism offices. There’s an annual growth of 25 to 30 percent in Indian arrivals to Egypt. We’ve higher expectations owing to our historic relationship. We also have lot of Indian investment in Egypt and would like to welcome more. We’ll also support Bollywood to shoot at our beautiful locations like the Pyramids and the Sahara desert. We’ve good manpower and post production facilities to aid film shooting in Egypt.”
Egypt iconic monuments and temples can make natural settings for Bollywood films that are in search of grand, historic backdrops.
Speakers @ GTC inaugural press conference in Cairo
Mr Singh said: “Nile river to Indus-Ganges river civilisations have been cradle of civilisations. We’ve to now explore on taking that forward to draw a billion world tourists. $2.85 trillion GDP of India has world’s highest spending travellers on an average, double that of travellers from the US or the UK.” With 1000 plus films released every year, Indian film industry is also the biggest entertainment industry in the world, drawing highest number of audience. The industry is growing with support from technology and popular films have proved to increase tourist footfalls from 25 percent to 300 percent.
Mr Iqbal Mulla, Chief Council, Global Tourism Council(GTC) Trust, said: “ Our endeavour is to connect countries with India. We brought film industry on board with trade and tourism to gain more visibility through this popular medium”.
GTC convention in Egypt has attracted 165 Indian, 100 Egypt and a ministerial delegation from Zanzibar. Egypt Tourism is hosting delegates for the convention at Cairo Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre between 16 to 18 September and on pre and post event tours of Nile Cruise, Alexandria and Hurghada.
Written by Anand & Madhura Katti
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