Supreme Council of Antiquities Committed to Enhance Egypt's Tourism Sector

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is committed to improving the tourist experience at a range of museums and archaeological sites in Egypt. To this end, the Supreme Council of Antiquities is working with different entities to enhance the quality of services provided to both local and foreign tourists.

In his remarks, Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that development work has been carried out on eight archaeological sites, including the Abu Mina site in Alexandria. "This site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in danger, underwent renovation in collaboration with St Mina Monastery and under the supervision of the Antiquities District in Alexandria's Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector, as well as the Projects Sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities," said Waziri.

Waziri also emphasized that the Ministry, represented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, is committed to this project and that it will significantly improve the tourism experience at the site, in line with the Ministry's national strategy.

Professor Mohamed Metwally, Director General of Alexandria Antiquities, explained that the project included the installation of wooden awnings equipped with seats to provide visitors with comfort during their visit. The site was also equipped with informative panels on the site's history, identity, and itinerary, as well as portable toilets, including those for visitors with special needs. The visit route has also been designed to facilitate visitors' movement within the site, as well as to display the extension of the site, which includes several significant archaeological buildings.

In turn, Dr. Bassem Ibrahim, Director of the General Administration of Services for Tourist and Archaeological Sites and Museums at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that 76 informative signs equipped with QR codes have been designed, implemented, and installed at seven archaeological sites and one museum across different Egyptian governorates. These include the Ismailia Museum, as well as areas surrounding the Hawara and Qasr Qarun Pyramids in Fayoum Governorate, the Tuna al-Jabal and Tell el-Amarna ruins, and the shrines of the Companions and Followers in Al-Bahnsa, Minya Governorate, and the Dashasha ruins in Beni Suef Governorate.

Dr. Ibrahim noted that the information boards at each site contain details about its history and architecture, important inscriptions, completed restoration work, and visit itinerary, among other instructions that should be taken into account to preserve the archaeological site. "Tourists will have access to all necessary information about the site, enabling them to enjoy their visit and enhance their tourism experience."