Quartz sphinx among antiquities pulled from the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt
The artefacts include a quartz sphinx statue with the sigil of Rameses II, a granite figure and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman. The relics were lifted out of the water using cranes and set on the shoreline as onlookers cheered.
The event was attended by several officials, including Sherif Fathi, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
The site of the artefacts had long been known to Egyptian authorities. The town of Abu Qir is near the ruins of several ancient cities that became submerged as a result of earthquakes, tsunamis and rising sea levels. These include Canopus and Thonis-Heracleion.
Thursday's recovery event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and came as part of a series of initiatives aimed at celebrating the history and legacy of the ancient cities. These include a new exhibition at the Alexandria National Museum to showcase treasures recovered from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
Secrets of the Sunken City runs until February and features 86 artefacts that were retrieved from the sunken cities in Abu Qir, as well as the Royal Quarter in the Eastern Harbour of ancient Alexandria. They include statues, pottery and jewellery – providing material evidence of the cultures that thrived in the area thousands of years ago.
A number of the exhibited artefacts were recovered over the past 25 years by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, a French non-profit dedicated to exploring and excavating sunken sites.
While the newly retrieved artefacts will probably be exhibited in the future, they are not part of the exhibition at the Alexandria National Museum. The sites at Abu Qir contain many more submerged artefacts, including pillars, statues and an ancient warship, and there are plans to recover more of the relics, authorities confirmed to The National.
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The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Quartz sphinx among antiquities pulled from the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt
Divers pulled out several sunken antiquities from Abu Qir Bay in Alexandria on Thursday. The artefacts include a quartz sphinx statue with the sigil of Rameses II, a granite figure and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman. The relics were lifted out of the water using cranes and set on the shoreline as onlookers cheered. The event was attended by several officials, including Sherif Fathi, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The site of the artefacts had long been known to Egyptian authorities. The town of Abu Qir is near the ruins of several ancient cities that became submerged as a result of earthquakes, tsunamis and rising sea levels. These include Canopus and Thonis-Heracleion. Thursday's recovery event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and came as part of a series of initiatives aimed at celebrating the history and legacy of the ancient cities. These include a new exhibition at the Alexandria National Museum to showcase treasures recovered from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Secrets of the Sunken City runs until February and features 86 artefacts that were retrieved from the sunken cities in Abu Qir, as well as the Royal Quarter in the Eastern Harbour of ancient Alexandria. They include statues, pottery and jewellery – providing material evidence of the cultures that thrived in the area thousands of years ago. A number of the exhibited artefacts were recovered over the past 25 years by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, a French non-profit dedicated to exploring and excavating sunken sites. While the newly retrieved artefacts will probably be exhibited in the future, they are not part of the exhibition at the Alexandria National Museum. The sites at Abu Qir contain many more submerged artefacts, including pillars, statues and an ancient warship, and there are plans to recover more of the relics, authorities confirmed to The National.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
Narrative Summit unveils key recommendations to position Egypt as a global tourism destination
Lamia Kamel: We look forward to these recommendations serving as a bridge between the exceptional leaders who took part in the Summit and decision-makers, paving the way for greater growth in Egypt's tourism and economy. Narrative Summit, Egypt's first international nation branding platform, has released its 2025 recommendations, highlighting new pathways to revitalize and strengthen Egypt's position as a world-class tourism destination. Held in April in Soma Bay on the Red Sea, the ninth edition of the Summit brought together government ministers, international business leaders, and tourism experts to discuss strategies that can drive growth, attract foreign investment, and showcase Egypt's competitive edge. The Summit reaffirmed that tourism remains one of Egypt's strongest competitive advantages, built on a heritage and cultural legacy unmatched worldwide. Among the recommendations was a stronger push for luxury and innovative offerings, most notably eco-tourism, which can appeal to new markets by showcasing destinations such as Siwa Oasis. The Summit also identified wellness tourism as a rising opportunity, blending healthcare improvements with economic development. Another key recommendation was the revitalization of Downtown Cairo as a vibrant, integrated entertainment and tourism hub that reflects Egypt's heritage. The model could later be extended to other neighborhoods, including Zamalek, Garden City, and Maadi, reinforcing their appeal to both domestic and international visitors. Complementing these urban development initiatives, the recommendations highlighted the anticipated opening of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Egypt's image on the global stage. With world leaders and international media expected to attend, the Summit stressed the importance of leveraging the event to reinforce Egypt's status as a leading global tourism destination. 'We want to put forward a clear, future-focused vision for Egyptian tourism, one that positions the country as a truly integrated global destination,' said Lamia Kamel, Founder of Narrative Summit, former Assistant Minister of Tourism for Promotion, founder of CC Plus. 'Through this report, we are sharing actionable recommendations that can guide decision-makers, helping to transform insights into tangible opportunities for growth.' Kamel also underscored the role of the recommendations in connecting insights to action, stating: 'We look forward to these recommendations serving as a bridge between the exceptional leaders who took part in the Summit and decision-makers, paving the way for greater progress in Egypt's tourism and economy.' She went on to explain that the report is not just a collection of ideas but a functional roadmap, designed to translate the Summit's discussions into practical steps that support Egypt's tourism ambitions and economic advancement. The recommendations further encouraged the promotion of lesser-known destinations, such as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, alongside Egypt's iconic landmarks, through innovative international campaigns that strengthen Egypt's image as a comprehensive tourism destination. To support creativity in tourism promotion, the Summit also called for simplifying filming procedures at scenic locations, enabling the production of artistic and musical works that enhance Egypt's positive global image. Finally, the Summit projected that these recommendations, if adopted, could contribute to an increase of around one million tourists annually. This outlook is supported by ongoing reforms, including streamlined visa processes, infrastructure development, and the rollout of major national projects, led by the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is described as one of the most remarkable cultural institutions the world has ever seen.
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Wego: 12% YOY growth in bookings to Egypt from the GCC
DUBAI, UAE,/PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has reported a 12% YoY growth in the number of flight and hotel bookings from the GCC to Egypt, reflecting a significant increase in traveler interest towards the destination. The campaign, launched under the theme "Unmatched Diversity", highlighted the wide variety of Egypt's tourism offerings from cultural and historical landmarks to adventure, beach escapes, wellness retreats, sports tourism, and a wide mix of tourism products. Newly rising destinations such as Al Alamein, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Ain Sokhna, and the North Coast are drawing more attention with their upscale beach developments, eco-resorts, and modern infrastructure, positioning themselves as attractive additions to Egypt's evolving tourism landscape. Through its collaboration with the Egypt Tourism Authority, Wego has successfully driven a notable rise in travel demand to Egypt, with search volumes maintaining a steady upward trend. This sustained growth underscores Egypt's rising appeal as a top travel destination among GCC travelers. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: "We are thrilled to support the Egypt Tourism Authority in promoting Egypt as a key destination for GCC travelers. The YoY growth in bookings indicates that Egypt continues to be a favored spot. We anticipate further growth in the coming months as we continue to optimize our campaigns for the region." Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are currently the leading source markets within the GCC, showing strong interest in Egypt. Saudi Arabia leads the surge, closely followed by Kuwait, both contributing significantly to the increase in bookings and overall travel interest to the country. The data highlights a clear preference for hotel stays, with 93% of travelers selecting this option, compared to just 5% choosing resorts and 1% opting for aparthotels. Moreover, 57% of travelers show a strong inclination toward 5-star properties, reflecting a steady demand for premium, luxury accommodation products. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, added: "Our partnership with Wego has played a vital role in showcasing the diversity of Egypt's tourism offerings to key regional markets. Through the 'Unmatched Diversity' campaign, we aimed to highlight not just our iconic archaeological treasures, but also the a dynamic product portfolio mix available from beach escapes and wellness retreats to cultural immersion, adventure, and sports activities. We're proud to see the growing interest from GCC travelers and look forward to welcoming more visitors to explore Egypt's timeless charm and modern vibrancy." Travelers to Egypt tend to plan their trips in advance, with the majority searching 30 to 59 days ahead of their intended departure with the average trip duration being 10 days. Solo travelers dominate the searches, showing a 13% increase in this segment compared to the previous year. This trend highlights Egypt's growing appeal among independent travelers seeking a mix of leisure and cultural products. Egypt's tourism richness lies in its unique blend of ancient heritage and the breadth of its products. The country boasts a diverse portfolio of attractions, including archaeological treasures like the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the historic streets of Islamic Cairo. Beyond the well-known landmarks, Egypt offers pristine beaches in the Red Sea for sun-seekers and divers, desert safaris in Sinai for adventure lovers, and tranquil Nile cruises for those yearning for relaxation and timeless scenery. From adrenaline-pumping sports adventures such as kite surfing, sandboarding, and diving, to revitalizing wellness experiences in luxurious spa resorts and serene retreats, Egypt has something for every type of traveler. Whether you're a solo explorer, a couple in search of a romantic escape, a family seeking fun-filled activities, or a wellness enthusiast looking to rejuvenate, Egypt's rich and diverse tourism product mix caters to all preferences and travel styles. This vast range of offerings continues to make Egypt a top-tier destination with enduring appeal across segments and seasons. Building on the success of this collaboration and the rising demand, Wego expects Egypt to remain a top choice for GCC travelers throughout the year. The platform will continue to bolster the country's tourism sector through focused, strategic campaigns. About Wego Wego is the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple-to-use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites. Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book, whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website. The company was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur. Photo - SOURCE Wego
