Zohair Gaherna Tourism minister Egypt

In an exclusive interview to “OUTBOUND International”, Egyptian Tourism Minister Zoheir Garranah said that Egypt welcomes more tourists from India to make a comparison between the two great ancient civilizations. "What I would like to say is, such a great nation like India ( with) such a great ancient civilization, please come to Egypt and make a comparison".

PREPARING FOR MORE INDIAN TOURISTS
Garranah, one of several businessman-turned ministers in the reform-minded cabinet, is eager to attract more foreigners to visit his country, including India.

As Indian economy continues to boom and people get richer, more Indians are beginning to travel abroad, which Garranah sees as a good opportunity for Egypt's tourism.

"The relations between India & Egypt are very strong, but they need to be even stronger. Both sides should explore more opportunities for investment and cooperation in all aspects," he said.

"Tourism is the best method of combining cultures and reducing cultural differences from one country to anther," he said.

Tourism is a key industry for Egypt, not only because it is top earner of Egypt's hard currency, but because it absorbs many laborers. Of Egypt's four major foreign currency earners, tourism has become the largest one, ahead of Suez Canal transit fees, remittances from expatriates and gas and oil exports. Tourism revenues accounted for 18 percent of Egypt's total.