In a significant boost for Egypt's tourism sector, French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to the historic Khan al-Khalili market and the Grand Egyptian Museum has been met with widespread acclaim from experts and investors alike. This high-profile tour, which took place in the heart of Cairo, is expected to double the number of tourists visiting Egypt, particularly from France, a nation renowned for its appreciation of Pharaonic and Egyptian heritage.
Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, head of the Marsa Alam Investors Association, highlighted the importance of the media coverage surrounding the visit, stating, "The photographic documentation of the presidents and the transmission of global media of this tour through various channels represents a great invitation for the Egyptian tourist destination." He emphasized that the images and stories shared internationally serve as invaluable publicity worth millions of dollars, reflecting the security and stability that Egypt enjoys under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
As Egypt prepares to welcome an influx of tourists, Dr. Abdel Latif noted the importance of readiness, particularly with the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on July 3. He mentioned ongoing developments in the pyramids area, which is currently in its experimental operational phase, and improvements to the historic downtown area, making it even more appealing to cultural tourists.
Adding to this sentiment, Mohamed Farouk, a member of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, called for increased promotional efforts. "We need to create documentaries and promotional films about this important tour of the French President and market them through tourism exchanges and meetings with international travel organizers," he urged. Farouk also pointed out that approximately 48 French archaeological missions are currently active in Egypt, contributing to successful restoration and excavation projects.
Dr. Reem Fouzy, former Vice-President of the Tourism and Air Transport Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that the joint tour of Presidents Sisi and Macron left a lasting impression globally. She noted, "Egypt presents all research materials on the routes of winter and summer travel," emphasizing the country's readiness to capitalize on this moment.
Fouzy expressed hope that the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism would leverage this tour to enhance its international offices' efforts. "There is no place in the world that combines commercial and tourist sites like Khan al-Khalili, and it is crucial that we showcase this presidential tour to the world," she said.
In a separate yet equally notable development, soprano Farah El Dibany has gained significant attention following her selection to accompany President Macron during his visit. El Dibany, an Egyptian opera singer, is celebrated as one of the most prominent Arab voices in the global opera scene. Born in Alexandria, she studied opera singing in Germany and France, eventually earning a master's degree in singing from the Berlin University of the Arts.
El Dibany's accomplishments include being the first Egyptian to join the prestigious Paris Opera Academy, where she earned the title of "Soprano Opera de Paris." Her ability to perform classical works in multiple languages, particularly Italian, French, and German, has led her to perform at numerous international venues, including in front of heads of state like Macron.
In recognition of her talents, El Dibany received a prestigious award from President El-Sisi during the 2021 World Youth Forum. She also gained international acclaim when she was chosen to perform the French national anthem before the final match of the 2022 World Cup, which pitted France against Argentina. Macron notably kissed her hand in a gesture of respect before the performance.
Furthermore, the French Embassy in Cairo honored her with the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to the arts, recognizing her impact on cultural diplomacy between Egypt and France. El Dibany has also received various accolades, including third prize at the Giulio Perotti International Singing Competition in 2013 and the title of best young opera talent in Opernwelt magazine.
As both the tourism sector and cultural figures like El Dibany gain international recognition, there is a palpable sense of optimism for Egypt's future in attracting global visitors. The recent events underscore the country's rich cultural heritage and the potential for unprecedented growth in tourism, particularly in light of the upcoming events and ongoing developments in the sector.
