Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, welcomed a Spanish delegation that included representatives of 31 major Spanish churches and several leading travel agencies.
The delegation, currently on an introductory trip to Egypt, aims to explore key religious and spiritual landmarks and pave the way for enhanced collaboration for promoting the country’s rich spiritual tourism.
The group’s week-long, February 14-20, included stops at significant sites such as St. Catherine and the Holy Family Trail. The itinerary was designed to highlight Egypt’s unique potential as a top destination for religious and spiritual exploration, a statement by the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said.
The tour followed Minister Fathy’s discussions with Spanish tour operators and companies at the FITUR International Tourism Fair held in Madrid last January.
The minister underscored the importance of these efforts in strengthening ties between Egypt and Spain, aligning aptly with the background of this week’s visit by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, Minister Fathy highlighted the recent developments in the Great Transfiguration Project in St. Catherine, a region he described as an unparalleled destination offering both a spiritual and environmental haven.
He also detailed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity through the upgraded road system and pointed out the new airport in St. Catherine designed to accommodate the latest aircraft and facilitate increased tourist arrivals.
The Spanish delegation expressed their gratitude to the Egyptian government for organising this enriching trip, praising the beauty and significance of Egypt’s spiritual landmarks.
They promised to incorporate Egypt’s various religious sites, especially St. Catherine, into their itineraries for religious tourism, which also serves wider markets such as Latin America, lauding the unparalleled spiritual atmosphere of St. Catherine and its ability to inspire a sense of deep psychological comfort.
The Spanish delegation enjoyed a well-rounded itinerary that included visits to iconic locations such as the city of Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo, alongside a picturesque three-night Nile cruise. Their journey also encompassed visits to ancient archaeological sites, museums, and Cairo’s bustling quarters, leaving them with a comprehensive view of Egypt’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
