Egypt shows interest in Indian heritage hotels

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Egypt has sought India's expertise in converting Forts and Havelis into Heritage hotels.

A tourism delegation led by Egyptian Tourism Authority Chairman Amar El Egaby was impressed by some of the best heritage hotels in India and wanted to replicate the process involved in their country.

Tourism Ministry sources told UNI here today that Egypt has offered to help India with its expertise in monument preservation.

The delegation called on Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni and discussed wide ranging issues and cooperation in tourism promotion.

The Egyptian side suggested twining of the cities between India and Egypt as the two countries have many similarities on historical destinations.

Ms Soni welcomed the idea and said both sides should provide profiles of different cities to each other to identify the right combination.

Recalling the age old historical and cultural ties between the two countries, she said there was a tremendous potential in India and Egypt to promote places of historical importance and tourist destinations in each other's country.

Mr Egaby lauded the Incredible India campaign and efforts to spread social awareness about preservation and cleanliness of cities and historical monuments for domestic tourists.

Earlier, the third meeting of the Joint Working Group on tourism was held between India and Egypt .

It was viewed by both sides that increase in the flow of tourism would further enhance bilateral relations between them.

They agreed to establish a programme to exchange visits of tour operators and travel media to motivate consumers in both countries to travel to the other country.

Both sides informed each other about the investment opportunities available in their countries in the tourism sector. It was agreed that growing opportunities should be showcased to attract investments from the private stakeholders.

Egyptian side was briefed on the facilities available in India for Human Resource Development in travel and hospitality sector. It was agreed by both sides to establish an exchange programme for students and faculties to enhance cooperation by developing partnership programmes between leading academic institutions in the tourism sector of both countries.

Both sides expressed willingness to assist the NTO's and Tourism Boards of each other's country in carrying out promotion and marketing activities to increase the tourism traffic between the two countries.

They agreed to formulate an action plan for promotion and marketing of their destinations in each other's country.

UNI