Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy launched a workshop titled “Community-Led Management of Islamic Heritage and Rural Tourism,” organized by the Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Statistical, Economic, Social, and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) at Prince Mohammad Ali Palace in the Manial neighborhood. The launch event also marks Cairo's designation as the Tourism Capital of the OIC Member States for 2026.
The launch ceremony was attended by Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of SESRIC; Dr. Mahmoud Erol Kılıç, Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA); Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; and several senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
During his speech at the event, Minister Fathy emphasized the importance of enhancing venues of cooperation with international institutions and organizations affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He added that the workshop represents a practical step toward expanding collaboration and exchanging expertise. He also said during his meeting with the Director General of SESRIC, both sides agreed to work on implementing several joint projects in the coming period.
The minister also showcased Egypt’s diverse tourism, heritage, and cultural assets, as well as its wealth of unique and distinguished tourism products and experiences, allowing visitors to combine multiple forms of tourism within a single trip. He added that Historic Cairo is a prominent example of this rich cultural and civilizational diversity, with its heritage and archaeological sites reflecting the succession of eras and civilizations. Additionally, it offers visitors valuable insights into Egypt’s history and human heritage.
Minister Fathy also praised the workshop's focus on community-led management of heritage and rural tourism, adding that the Egyptian state places great importance on preserving heritage and archaeological sites and ensuring their sustainability through cooperation with the relevant institutions and stakeholders.
Minister Fathy also said that protecting archaeological sites and preserving their historical and cultural value remains a top national priority. He further affirmed that cooperation with the private sector to enhance tourism services at heritage sites is carried out in accordance with strict regulations and standards that ensure the protection and integrity of antiquities.
Concluding his speech, the minister expressed his hope that the workshop would strengthen the exchange of expertise and successful experiences in heritage tourism management while also providing participants with an opportunity to learn more about Egypt’s exceptional tourism and cultural assets.
During the launch event, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of SESRIC, handed the minister a symbolic key, marking the city's designation as the 2026 Tourism Capital.
The event also featured the screening of several promotional films highlighting the diversity of Egypt’s tourism destinations, particularly Cairo. Additionally, an introductory film on the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo was shown, showcasing its most significant archaeological and artistic collections that reflect the evolution of Islamic art across different historical periods.
Following the event, the minister, accompanied by the Director General of SESRIC, toured Prince Mohammad Ali Palace in Manial, including the Throne Hall and the palace gardens. During the tour, they received a briefing on the palace’s history, architectural and artistic significance, and its distinguished collection of heritage and archaeological treasures.
The workshop will also include field visits to several archaeological and heritage sites in Cairo, familiarizing participants with Egypt’s experience in managing and preserving these sites.
Notably, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation designated Cairo as the Tourism Capital of the OIC Member States for 2026 during the 12th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers, held in Uzbekistan in June 2024.
🖋️ Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Online Portal
