Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy recently visited the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries to explore ways to utilize maritime technologies in supporting tourism development. The visit aimed to enhance integration between scientific research and the tourism industry. Fathy was accompanied by Dr. Amr Hamouda, head of the Center for Marine Risk Reduction.
During the visit, Fathy toured the Center for Marine Risk Reduction, where he was briefed on the center's advanced scientific and technical capabilities. These include an integrated marine monitoring network that operates around the clock to track changes in sea level, temperature, salinity, and pollution levels. The center's capabilities are expected to contribute to the development of marine tourism and the preservation of submerged antiquities.
Fathy also learned about the latest hydrographic and geophysical survey technologies used for exploring and discovering submerged antiquities. These technologies play a crucial role in assessing marine risks and securing coastal facilities and beaches. The minister's visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between research institutions and executive bodies in leveraging scientific research for tourism development.
The meeting between Fathy and institute officials discussed several strategic projects and proposals to maximize the use of the institute's research and technical capabilities in serving the tourism sector. One of the proposed projects involves developing the Eastern Port of Alexandria and linking it to underwater antiquities tourism. The project aims to transform the Eastern Port into a global tourist and cultural destination.
The proposed project also seeks to develop diving tourism and explore the region's rich submerged antiquities, while linking them to Alexandria's historical landmarks through interactive tourist paths. The plan includes implementing a continuous environmental monitoring system to preserve these underwater treasures. Additionally, the meeting discussed a proposal to establish a new Eastern Port.
The new port would be an investment and development project aimed at creating a modern port basin capable of accommodating yachts, tourist ships, and various maritime activities. This would support the revitalization of yacht tourism and reduce environmental and urban pressures on the old port. The proposal emphasizes the application of high environmental sustainability standards and the use of marine risk reduction systems.
Fathy's visit to the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries reflects the government's commitment to integrating research institutions and executive bodies to drive tourism development. The visit is expected to pave the way for a new phase of marine and underwater tourism development in Alexandria, based on innovation, sustainability, and protection of natural and cultural resources.
Key points
- Egypt's Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy visits the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries to explore ways to utilize maritime technologies in supporting tourism development.
- The visit aims to enhance integration between scientific research and the tourism industry.
- The proposed projects discussed during the visit are expected to contribute to the development of marine tourism and the preservation of submerged antiquities.
