The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations specialised agency, has expressed confidence in the recovery of tourism in Egypt and dubbed it as a safe, attractive and leading travel destination.

A United Nations specialised agency, UNWTO plays a decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.

"Tourism is a critical contributor to Egypt’s GDP, employment, foreign currency earnings and investment," remarked UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai during his recent visit to the country.

He was in Cairo to attend the Egypt´s Tourism 2016 Conference ‘Planning for Growth.

Addressing the gathering, Rifai said there was a strong pent up demand for tourism to Egypt, from source markets, both within and outside the region.

“We should never forget that Egypt is one of the world’s most remarkable tourism success stories. Over the last decade, the number of visitors to Egypt practically tripled and so did the exports generated by international tourism. Egypt is, and will continue to be, despite all challenges, a leading tourism destination,” he added.

Calling upon the international community to support Egypt’s tourism, Rifai said: "Supporting its recovery is like supporting the future of Egypt and that of its people and promoting peace and stability."

He later met the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zaazou.

"Egypt has undertaken strong initiatives in terms of communications with the competent authorities and public opinion in source markets on safety and security issues, unlocking the support of airlines and tour operators, incentivising demand and engaging key players in Egypt in these concerted efforts," stated Rifai after the meeting.

"I trust these actions will herald results in restoring confidence and accelerating the recovery of tourism to Egypt," he added.-TradeArabia News Service