Latest news with #MinistryofTourismandAntiquities
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
3,500-year-old Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead' discovered in untouched tomb
Representative Image- Book of the dead Egypt has always been a place surrounded by myths and legendary tales, with its beliefs about the afterlife, elaborate burial rituals, and iconic artifacts found through archaeological evidence during excavations. Recently, archaeologists working in central Egypt uncovered a burial ground from the New Kingdom era, dating roughly 3,500 years ago, that seems to carry secrets yet untold. A rare papyrus was found in a New Kingdom cemetery In Egypt's Tuna al‑Gebel or Al‑Ghuraifa region, archaeologists discovered a cemetery dating to the New Kingdom, which was circa 1550–1070 BC. Among the grave findings was a papyrus scroll, estimated at 43 to 49 feet long, and it is believed to contain part of the Book of the Dead. This is the first complete papyrus found in that area and is described as being in notably good condition, according to Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, who said this in a translated Arabic statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Why is this scroll important? Finding pieces or shorter versions of the Book of the Dead isn't unusual for archaeologists, but discovering a full scroll still resting in the same grave where it was buried thousands of years ago? That's very rare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo According to Live Science, Foy Scalf, an Egyptologist from the University of Chicago, said this detail is especially important because it's not often you find one in its original burial spot. Lara Weiss from the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum also praised the discovery, calling it 'certainly a great and interesting find,' especially because of how long and well-preserved the scroll is. Representative Image- Book of the dead What is the Book of the Dead The Book of the Dead, more commonly called The Book of Going Forth by Day, was like a spiritual guidebook for ancient Egyptians. It was filled with spells, prayers, and pictures meant to help someone's soul find its way through the afterlife, to safely reach Osiris, the god of the dead, and join him in the next world. Egyptians started using these texts around 1550 BC, during the New Kingdom, and they stayed important for centuries, even into the Ptolemaic period, long after. Other important discoveries at the site Representative Image- Book of the dead The site had more than just the scroll. Archaeologists also found mummies within wooden and stone coffins, over 25,000 ushabti statues or Mini servant statues buried to help in the afterlife, canopic jars, and thousands of amulets and ornaments. Among them was also the coffin of Ta‑de‑Isa, daughter of a high priest, accompanied by her canopic vessels and complete ushabti set. What this could reveal about ancient Egypt Because Book of the Dead manuscripts evolved over centuries and varied from one copy to another, this scroll could provide fresh information about funerary beliefs, variations in spells, and personal expressions of faith.
Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
6% Decline in Number of Jordanians Traveling Abroad for Tourism - Jordan News
Tourism experts have emphasized the importance of supporting domestic tourism amid a decline in the number of Jordanians traveling abroad for tourism. According to preliminary official data published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and based on Central Bank figures, the number of Jordanians who traveled abroad during the first half of this year reached 806,970, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Experts stressed the need to provide suitable tourism infrastructure to encourage locals to explore domestic destinations. They also recommended expanding the 'Our Jordan is Paradise' program ('Urdunna Jannah') to include more destinations with a variety of affordable hotel options, along with promotional offers tailored for local tourists. According to the data: In 2023, the number of Jordanians traveling abroad during the first half of the year totaled 856,776, with monthly breakdowns as follows: January: 136,538 February: 132,495 March: 116,756 April: 125,535 May: 118,152 June: 227,300 In 2024, the number totaled 806,970, with monthly figures as: January: 159,085 February: 129,749 March: 126,032 April: 113,692 May: 118,957 June: 159,455 Causes of Decline Experts agree that the reduction in low-cost flight options to and from Jordan amid regional tensions has contributed significantly to the drop in Jordanian travelers. Additionally, rising travel costs to popular destinations like Turkey have made foreign tourism less attractive. Industry Insights Mohammad Al-Qassem, a member of the Jordan Hotels Association and tourism expert, confirmed that reduced low-cost flight frequencies and geopolitical developments, along with rising travel costs, have led to a drop in outbound tourism. He noted that a 5.8% decrease may not be dramatic, but it's an indicator that domestic tourism needs more support. Al-Qassem stressed that travel is important for exposure to new cultures and experiences, and shouldn't be heavily restricted, but encouraged alongside local tourism growth. He also pointed out that economic challenges and declining income have made it difficult for many to afford travel. Al-Qassem emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure in northern Jordan, and offering low-cost hotels to attract tourists, especially during summer, as alternatives to warmer destinations like the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Northern sites such as Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais, and Jerash offer attractive options. He also proposed comprehensive tour programs that include interaction with local communities, traditional meals, and cultural experiences, which would also boost the local economy. Al-Qassem called for an expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program, suggesting it should include more destinations and operate throughout the week, not just on weekends. He concluded that a successful tourism sector requires strong infrastructure, a complete tourism product, and public-private partnerships to manage and improve tourist sites without compromising heritage. Geopolitical Impact Nidal Malu Al-Ain, another tourism expert, said the decline in travel is mainly due to the halt of low-cost flights, which were heavily used for trips to Europe. He also cited economic constraints, income decline, and regional geopolitical instability as key factors. Al-Ain believes that many Jordanians are interested in domestic tourism and prefer spending their vacation days in Jordan—provided that affordable tourism facilities are available. He emphasized the need to establish a model of 'popular tourism' with comprehensive and budget-friendly services, especially for middle-income groups. He urged expansion of the 'Urdunna Jannah' program or launching a new initiative aimed at encouraging domestic travel through promotional packages. Al-Ain also suggested supporting existing tourism facilities by reducing operational costs (e.g., energy bills) and offering deferred financial obligations to tourism businesses. He proposed that hotels offer promotions like free nights with bookings. 'Urdunna Jannah' Program Mahmoud Al-Khasawneh, another tourism specialist, said that regional instability is a major reason for the drop in outbound tourism. He emphasized that domestic tourism must be improved to reduce the number of Jordanians traveling abroad. He noted that while the government-run 'Urdunna Jannah' program plays an important role, a private-sector-driven counterpart should also be developed to offer exclusive packages, especially for Jordanian expatriates returning during the summer. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the program recorded 79,017 participants between April and July 2025. The program was temporarily suspended in December 2024, and resumed in April 2025. Participation figures since resumption are: April: 5,193 participants May: 36,991 participants June: 13,681 participants July (to date): 23,152 participants Previously, the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents stated that Turkey (Antalya, Trabzon, Istanbul) and Egypt (particularly Sharm El Sheikh) remain the top destinations for Jordanians traveling abroad.
CairoScene
3 days ago
- CairoScene
Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Offers Student Training & Free Local Tours
The programme is geared toward students in archaeology, history and tour guiding, and includes instruction in conservation, curation, documentation and museum operations. Jul 27, 2025 The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is offering university students hands-on summer training in museum work, while also providing free guided tours to Egyptian visitors. The programme is geared toward students in archaeology, history and tour guiding, and includes instruction in conservation, curation, documentation and museum operations. At the same time, volunteer guides from the Friends of the Egyptian Museum group are leading free tours throughout the season. The effort is meant to deepen public engagement with Egypt's cultural heritage and improve access to museum knowledge and resources. The initiative is part of a larger national focus on preparing young people for careers in tourism and heritage, while also strengthening public participation in the country's cultural life. The museum's leadership, along with senior figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, has described the programme as a step toward linking academic knowledge with daily museum practice. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, founded in 1902, remains one of the oldest and most iconic institutions in the region, housing thousands of artefacts from Egypt's Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman and Coptic periods.
Al-Ahram Weekly
21-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt begins language exams for tour guides to expand linguistic accreditations - Tourism
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched a new round of language exams for licensed tour guides, allowing them to add one or more foreign languages—including rare ones—to their professional licenses. The move aims to improve multilingual tourism services, diversify visitor markets, and reduce reliance on translation permits granted to foreign interpreters. As of 2025, Egypt has around 14,000 licensed tour guides, according to an official from the Egyptian General Tourist Guide Syndicate. The ministry announced Monday that licensed guides can now apply for the language addition tests via the Central Administration of Corporate Services Portal, with applications open through 31 July 2025. Exams will be held at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at Helwan University, where candidates will be evaluated by university professors and representatives from foreign embassies to ensure language proficiency before accreditations are granted. According to the ministry, 225 applications were received for this round, and 58 candidates passed. Successful guides were certified in a range of languages, including Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Czech, Indonesian, Korean, Greek, Romanian, and Hungarian—languages still underrepresented in Egypt's tourism workforce. The ministry is also running intensive training programmes for aspiring tour guides with relevant academic backgrounds. More than 300 individuals received training in the first half of 2025 alone. The initiative is part of Egypt's broader strategy to grow its tourism sector and expand its capacity to serve an increasingly diverse global audience. The government aims to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2028 under a comprehensive national tourism strategy. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's tourism industry surges 22% in June compared to same period last year: Ministry - Tourism
Egypt's tourism sector recorded a remarkable 22 percent growth in June 2025 compared to the same month last year, despite ongoing challenges, according to a statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Sunday. In 2024, Egypt achieved a new record in the number of tourist arrivals, reaching 15.8 million, a six-percent increase year-on-year. This growth continued in the first quarter of 2025. From January to May 2025, inbound tourism rose by 26 percent, up from 4–6 percent in the same period last year, and tourist spending increased noticeably. This upward trajectory has been supported by recent developments in Egypt's international standing and strategic planning to boost the sector's long-term performance. On Saturday, recent upgrades in travel advisories for Egypt by the United States and the United Kingdom were announced, with Egypt now listed under the US State Department's Level Two: Exercise Increased Caution category, placing it alongside countries like France and Germany. The UK's updated guidance also acknowledges that nearly one million British nationals visit Egypt each year, reflecting improved safety and security conditions in the country. The updated travel advisories are anticipated to drive higher tourist arrivals and contribute positively to Egypt's economic growth. By enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for cultural and heritage tourism, Egypt aims to solidify its global standing. Recognising tourism as a vital source of foreign currency, the government has introduced a comprehensive national strategy to welcome 30 million visitors annually by 2028. In addition, as part of efforts to meet the growing global demand of nature and adventure travellers, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism also expanded safari tourism programmes, attracting 20,000 visitors in the first half of 2025. On 17 June, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly oversaw the signing of a $265 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding Egypt's tourism sector through the development of new hotel rooms and branded residential units in key tourist destinations. The agreement is part of the country's broader strategy to upgrade tourism infrastructure and increase visitor numbers. In December 2023, the Egyptian government launched an EGP 50 billion incentive programme to stimulate investment in hotel capacity expansion. The initiative focuses on encouraging companies to develop new rooms at top tourist hubs, including Greater Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea, South Sinai, and the North Coast. Experts estimate that every 15,000 new rooms could generate up to approximately EGP 1 to 2 billion in VAT and an additional EGP 2 billion in commercial and industrial taxes. To support its tourism growth targets, the country plans to add 18,000 rooms by the end of 2025 and expand its current capacity of approximately 230,000 rooms by over 200,000 additional units within the next two to three years, enhancing both availability and visitor experience. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
