São Paulo – The governments of Egypt and Palestine invested in having their own stands at the World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America, an industry show taking place at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte. In addition to those two Arab countries, Emirates is exhibiting at the event set to run until Thursday (5).
Egyptians and Palestinians share the same goal: publicizing their destinations and increasing Brazilian and Latin American tourist numbers. Both countries are betting on historical and religious tourism, which travelers from Brazil usually choose whenever travelling to Egypt or Palestine.
The latter is also looking to advertise a new adventure and experience route. Ali El Khatib, superintendent at the Jerusalem Institute in Brazil, created the route in partnership with the Brazilian government, in a drive to appeal to young Brazilians interested in novel experiences.
“It is a new concept in tourism: I want Brazilians to experience Palestine at a deeper level,” El Khatib told ANBA. Besides the usual destinations like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Dead Sea and Jordan River, the package includes the cities of Battir, Jericho, Nablus and Ramallah, the administrative capital. “The capital is a modern city with an old town featuring delightful cafés and restaurants,” the superintendent said.
The package is the main feature of the Palestine stand, which was financed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, with backing from the Embassy of Palestine in Brasília. The religious destinations that Brazilian travelers often seek out are also featured.
El Khatib estimates that a first group of 20 travelers at most will arrive in Palestine in November. “The 10-night package including flights and accommodation goes for USD 2,750 per person,” he said.
A few meters down from the Palestine stand, several Egyptian operators speak with WTM Latin America fairgoers. The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board has brought in 14 agencies to the national stand.
“Brazil is a prospective market for Egypt. We are noticing that Brazilians long to visit our country,” said Mohamed Mohsen, the Latin America director for at the Tourism Promotion Council. “There is a lot of history and culture in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, and the ‘Holy Family Route’ when it comes to religious tourism,” he explained.
This route, according to Mohsen, goes along the Sinai Peninsula all the way to so-called Upper Egypt (in the South of the country). According to the Bible, Joseph fled with Mary and their son Jesus to Egypt. Key sites like the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus are in the route, which attempts to recreate the biblical path.
Mohsen says that Egypt welcomed 18,000 tourists last year, up 85% from 2016. The government is aiming to see 35,000 travelers in 2020. “We have the deserts, the beaches and over 30 national parks. There’s a lot to see,” he said.
Apart from the official stand, some Brazilian operators specializing in Egypt are offering packages to WTM fairgoers. Dubai is another Arab destination on offer. The expo began on Tuesday (3) featuring 600-plus exhibitors from all continents.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
