Hawass Shines at WTTC Leadership Cruise 2026

During a candid intellectual debate held aboard an "Abercrombie" cruise ship in the heart of the Suez Canal, Hawass raised provocative issues concerning the ownership of human heritage and the ethical responsibilities of major museum institutions. The summit featured a major debate between Dr. Hawass and veteran British journalist Peter Greenberg, BBC News Travel Editor. During the session, Hawass directed explicit criticism at the policies of certain international museums, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt a new ethical charter to prevent the trade of antiquities that were illegally taken from their countries of origin.

Hawass stressed that the restitution of pivotal archaeological artifacts is not merely a legal requirement, but a historical right tied to the cultural identity of nations. He also presented a controversial perspective on the relationship between tourism and archaeology, describing unregulated tourism as a "bitter enemy" to archaeological sites.

He called for a delicate balance to ensure the sustainability of these sites as human heritage while maximizing their potential as tourism attractions. In a related context, Hawass highlighted Egypt's recent successes in "Site Management," praising the policies implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities under the supervision of Minister Sherif Fathi. He specifically noted projects in Luxor's Valley of the Kings and the Giza Plateau, where advanced programs are being applied to preserve monuments and regulate visitor flow according to the latest international standards.

On the sidelines of the event, the world premiere of Peter Greenberg's hour-long documentary, "Hidden Egypt," was screened. The film documents an exploratory journey with Dr. Hawass into the depths of Saqqara, revealing details of the discovery of a previously unknown queen's tomb. It also highlights Egypt’s diverse cultural fabric, transitioning between Pharaonic, Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic antiquities, through to the face of modern Egypt. The summit drew a wide international audience, including former heads of state from Mexico, Argentina, and Italy, alongside leaders from UNESCO and the WTTC. Participants discussed ways to enhance global tourism recovery by investing in culture as essential infrastructure for growth. This summit reaffirms the Suez Canal's status not only as a global trade artery but as an international platform for dialogue on heritage, tourism, and leadership during times of crisis.