The meeting followed Prime Minister's directives issued in October to maximize tourism efforts along the Holy Family Path, which spans numerous governorates, including Cairo, Beheira, Minya, Assiut, Kafr El-Sheikh, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, Port Said, North Sinai, Qalyubia, and Daqahliya.
Dr. Awad thanked Ghabbour and leading Egyptian private
sector institutions for their interest. She stressed the government's
commitment to maximizing the path's benefits, describing it as a "national
project with a global religious, tourism, and cultural dimension." She
noted the Prime Minister held previous meetings to review private sector
proposals for tourism projects linked to the revival.
The Minister explained that the state seeks to capitalize on
current tourism and development projects along the route's points. This effort
aims to increase tourist numbers, boost religious tourism, and create job
opportunities for nearby residents. The government has already worked to
develop and rehabilitate the surrounding areas.
During the meeting, officials reviewed several proposals for
tourism and development projects specifically linked to the path's points in Cairo,
Qalyubia, and Assiut. These ideas would help preserve the sites and document
the Holy Family’s journey, ultimately increasing inbound tourism and offering a
superior tourist experience. NEHRA representatives affirmed the project's
national importance and its potential to significantly increase tourism
traffic.
The Minister concluded by directing the formation of a joint committee. The committee will include representatives from the Ministry, relevant government bodies, the governorates of Cairo, Qalyubia, and Assiut, and interested investors. Its mandate is to study all development proposals and begin implementation as a first phase, with other stages to follow in the remaining governorates.