Israel Egypt Tour Guides: Passover, Easter Tourism Strong
By
Bonnie Danohe Jerusalem
--- April 8 ..... The weather is perfect. Not hot. Not cold. No rain. Clear, sunny
skies as white, yellow and purple flowers blossom on both sides of the border.
"We have three points which truly create peace through tourism," says the 66 year-old Israel Egypt tour guide and native of Jerusalem. "The first is culture. We in Israel have a strong passion for culture and history. As such, this Passover holiday, rather than seeing Israelis leave Egypt, they are making reservations in Cairo and Alexandria. Israel is nation which cherishes museums, archaeology, libraries and music. So it is no great surprise to witness both Jews and Arabs from Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Eilat, Nazareth and Bethlehem flock to see the great museum in Cairo or the mummies in Aswan." "From Abu Simbel, Adulis, Aswan and Bir Dunqash to Birsahara, Bir Tarwafi, Buhen El-Amarna, El-Omari, Giza, Thebes and Luxor will you see those from Israel and other nations studying, photographing and making friends with other tourists. They learn about everything which is Egypt including animal worship stemming from ancient Egypt which is now a part of the culture of daily life of Egyptians. Animals of every kind were respected and revered, as they were in close contact with deities and gods that the average Egyptian could not reach." Rafael, who has been in the Israel Egypt tours and travel agency business for over 30 years, is the most respected Israel, Sinai and Egypt tour guide in the industry. Rafael supervises and trains dozens of tour guides from both Israel and Egypt every year and has won the several awards and the deep appreciation of both the Israel and Egypt governments for his promotion of tours to Israel and Egypt. "After appreciating both the ancient and modern culture, history of the Sinai, Egypt and the Holy Land, tourists from Israel and abroad say bye to their tour guides and hello to total relaxation. One must remember that Egypt civilization was not only credited for inventing modern math, but also beer. Egypt and the Sinai desert are full of nightclubs, casinos, beaches, scuba diving and night cruises. The Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Nile are very seductive. Not everything is mummies, Pharaohs, Cleopatra and hieroglyphics. Egyptians are known for their warm hospitality, excellent hotels and a wide variety of fine restaurants. In fact, when other Arabs from Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Palestine seek a holiday they usually go to Egypt," says Rafael. Rafael's smile conveys a very warm and sincere Middle-East charm. He states that there is much more layed back water skiing, wind surfing, camping and sailing in Egypt and Sinai rather than a "Raiders of the Lost Ark" adventure. "The third point which draws both tourists and business people from Israel, Europe, the US, Asia and the Arab world to Egypt is business. Egypt enjoys a large labor pool very much like China and India which is low cost but highly skilled. The creation of Egypt's pyramids can provide a clue to how intelligent and clever those in Egypt business are. Throughout the world one can see much trade with Egypt with cotton products, wood and trees from the Nile, exotic fruit, stones and gems." Egypt has a rich and fascinating history with the Middle East. Although Egypt is the best known and most researched empire in the area, the others in the Middle East contributed to its grandeur. No culture has ever began with only its own traditions and methods. Other cultures from the area contribute to all the things that distinguish one culture from another. Interaction between Egypt and its neighbors has added many different aspects to Egyptian culture that we study today. "The most apparent interactions take place directly," says Rafael. "These interactions are those that make direct connections from one culture to another. Trade route that intersect areas and wars involving two or more cultures are examples of direct interaction. Indirect interaction is less apparent, but none the less, it is just as important. Indirect interaction is the dealings that cultures have with others that don’t directly go from one popular culture to the next. As ideas and goods are exchanged indirectly, they are modified to fit the culture that has adopted them. Indirect interaction with Egypt’s Middle Eastern neighbors was very influential in making Ancient Egypt what it was." Egypt is home to one of the richest and most ancient civilizations in the world extending to several millennia. "Egypt and the Sinai are places of history, adventure and romance," says Rafael. Alexander the Great arrived to Egypt in the late autumn of 332 BC. The Ptolemies ruled Egypt until 30 BC and were succeeded by the Romans until 642 AD when the Arabs arrived. It was during the Roman period when Christianity came to Egypt. It was in Alexandria where the great Catechtical School, which produced the early fathers of the Church, emerged. The Arabs were followed by the Mamlukes, who were magnificent warriors and who ruled Egypt from 1250-1517 AD when their reign ended with the Ottoman conquest of Egypt under Sultan Selim. The arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte to Egypt on July 2nd 1798, initiated a new phase in Egypt's history. Accompanying his expedition were a number of savants and scientists who made a complete encyclopedic survey of Egypt, known as "Description de l'Egypte". The expedition contributed significantly to the study of ancient Egyptian history through the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the consequent deciphering of Hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian language. After the departure of the French expedition, Mohamad Ali, who was an officer in the Ottoman Army, rose to power with the support of the Egyptian people. His rule extending from 1805 to 1849 was an eventful period in Egypt's modern history. He is regarded as the father of modern Egypt who set the country on the march towards modernization. In 1863, Khedive Ismail, a member of Mohamad Ali's dynasty, rose to power. If Mohamad Ali had started the process of modernization, it was Ismail who completed it. He had boundless ambitions to bring Egypt up to the same level of culture, civilization and development which was enjoyed by most nations of Europe. It was during his reign, in 1869, that the Suez Canal was inaugurated. Towards the end of the 19th Century, and exactly on August 12th 1882, British troops landed at Alexandria marking the beginning of British occupation which lasted for 74 years. The beginning of the 20th century witnessed the awakening of the national conscience aiming at ending the British occupation. Mustafa Kamel, Sa'ad Zaghloul, Mustafa El Nahas and many others were prominent figures who strove to achieve two national objectives; independence and constitutional reform. On the 28th of February 1922, Britain unilaterally declared the termination of the British Protectorate and declared Egypt an independent state. On the 18th of June 1953, the monarchy ended and Egypt was declared a Republic and Mohamad Naguib was named as the first President. In 1954 Nasser assumed control as the second president. During Nasser's presidency, extensive agricultural and industrial development projects were carried out. Progressive economic and social reforms were implemented for the benefit of the majority of the Egyptian people. With the death of President Nasser in September 1970, Anwar El-Sadat assumed office. To overcome the state of belligerency, President Sadat announced his historic initiative to visit Israel in pursuit of lasting peace, which he did in November 1977. Finally, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty was signed in March 1979. The Sadat period witnessed changes in the political, social and economic domains, and at the same time, the private sector was given a greater share in the country's economy through the implementation of the "Open Door Policy". In October 1981, Vice President Hosny Mubarak succeeded Sadat as President. Economic reforms undertaken under Mubarak succeeded in diverting finance towards productive investment in industry and agriculture. The main features of Egypt's national economic policy under President Mubarak are the efforts to broaden the economic base by promoting local, Arab and foreign investment. A process of successful privatization has started, the stock exchange has been revived, and reform programs with the IMF and the World Bank have been signed and implemented. Egypt was a powerful nation, a 1000 years before the Minoans of Crete built their palace at Knossos, and about 900 years before the Israelites followed Moses out of Egypt. Egyptian civilization continued for more than 3,000 years. Its geographical location, deserts surrounding the Valley of the Nile, discouraged hostile invasions. The Mediterranean Sea, to the North, encouraged commerce and trade. Egyptians regularly traded cargoes of lentils, textiles, papyrus to other countries in exchange for copper, bronze, gold, silver, ivory, rare woods, turquoise, and exotic animal skins. Arts and sciences were also studied and explored by Egyptian citizens. A system of writing called hieroglyphics was introduced, promoting the creation of stories, poems, and religious texts. The Egyptians created mathematical methods for calculating taxes, land surveys, weights and measures, distance, and time. They also explored astronomy, engineering, and medical sciences. Egyptian architectural accomplishments were spectacular and remain so today. Belief in life after death led to the construction of huge permanent temples and tombs with massive stone walls covered with hieroglyphics and pictorial carvings and flat roofs. Other striking structures included pyramids and obelisks. Fine art kept pace with architecture and is distinctive in concept and character. Sculpture featured strong massive forms, while the highly stylized paintings were brightly colored and intricately designed. The Egyptians were social and light hearted and among the most industrious of ancient peoples. Enamored of life on earth, they envisioned death merely as its continuance and prepared for it elaborately. The Egyptians beliefs about death and the after life combined with the dry climate in Egypt are largely responsible for the preservation of many aspects of their civilization for scholars and tourists to study today.
"Egypt, desert safari, romance and magic. Adventure and bonding with nature. Desert trips and safari programs covering all of Egypt. The western desert with its 5 oasis is known for most of the African safari fans, the African safari trips are usually between 5 to 10 days. Egypt, is the perfect place for a vacation," says Rafael. " Egypt's geographical location with all its precious ancient antiquities in addition to the pleasant weather during all year, encourages and enhances the tourism industry." The first recorded tour to Egypt in modern history was in 1860 however we know that Egypt was a destination that the Greeks aimed to visit during the first and second centuries. Nile Cruises developed as at first, tours to Egypt were only specified to big cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, later on a need was developed to visit other smaller cities (Edfu, Kom ombo, Esna). As most of the monuments are closer to the river Nile, Cruises were the best solution for a trip that allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Egyptian countryside while visiting monument of our ancient civilization. Nowadays, there are more than 300 Nile cruises, offering different types of services and prices (from 7 to 4 stars). Nile cruises trips can be found for seven, four and three nights depending on the visits itinerary. Mazada Tours is a full service travel agent Egypt, Sinai and Israel tours company in Israel with long ties to Egypt that helps individuals, small and large groups of tourists to enjoy the beauty of Egypt. Mazada has planned thousands of vacation in Egypt, weekend, or honeymoon trip to Egypt for tourists, diplomats, journalists and students. There are many tours to Egypt and the Sinai, a wide variety of tours and packages are available. "A holiday tour to Egypt is a great idea during winter, as weather is quite warm compared to other countries. All tours are escorted by a professional guide (language depends on the group), also you can have free tours depending on your package," says Rafael. Cairo, Egypt hotels are among the finest in the world. Cairo is the capitol city of Egypt, it is one of the most visited cities in the whole world. In Cairo you can find the only surviving wonder of the world which are the great pyramids of Giza. Luxor, Egypt hotels consist of the Sonesta Moon and Goddess. Nile Cruises are very popular. Drifting on Egypt’s “lifeblood”, the river Nile on a pleasant felucca ride with its distinctive white sail in sunny Luxor is an exclusive ticket to travel through time to trace a great, ancient civilization, which had once flourished on opposing banks of the river, yet continues to startle locals, and visitors alike. The matchless wealth of temples, and tombs. In Aswan, Egypt you will find the Sonesta, Moon Goddess hotels. Mazada Nile Cruises Safari Egypt offers five hotels. From luxurious hotels like El Salamlek to budget hotels and youth hostels all are available. Egypt is the cradle of human civilization. A fact hardly contested among authoritative historians. Revenue from tourism is important to Egypt’s national economy. In 2006, 9 million visitors came to Egypt tourism and earned Egypt $ 6.5 billion, which is 13% of Egypt’s GDP. The country targets 16 million tourists by 2014. The Egyptian Tourism Authority has revealed its definitive list of the top 100 things to see, do and enjoy when visiting Egypt this year. Aimed at encouraging visitors to explore all that Egypt has to offer, ranging from traditional cultural experiences to active pursuits, the ‘Top 100 Reasons’ is designed to provide a glimpse of the wealth of activities and attractions, both ancient and modern, that can be enjoyed on a visit to this fascinating country. Ahmed El Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, commented: “Egypt is renowned as the world’s largest outdoor museum, but we also boast pristine coral reefs and marine life, as well as international leisure facilities and entertainment, from lively bars to operatic performances.“ El Khadem continued: “The ‘Top 100 Reasons’ is by no means exhaustive, but simply highlights a multitude of ideas and suggestions that are guaranteed to offer visitors a unique and personal Egyptian experience of discovery and adventure in one of the world’s most compelling and diverse destinations.” The ‘Top 100 Reasons’ will be followed throughout 2007 by a series of definitive guides to the ‘Top 10 Reasons’ to visit Egypt. Each guide has been developed to promote not only the traditionally popular activity choices, such as exploring Egypt’s ancient and renowned treasures, but also to highlight some of the lesser known things to see and do that may not traditionally be associated with Egypt, such as Cairo’s fantastic shopping and trendy nightlife, to name but two examples. Visitors to Egypt can also access extensive information through www.egypt.travel which provides users with the best available advice and resources to plan their trip. The recently revamped portal provides detailed content and information on 15 key destinations and features a wealth of things to see and do. It also boasts several unique interactive elements, including a sound-animated Egyptian dictionary or Lexicon which enables travelers to hear and learn some essential Arabic phrases used in day-to-day situations that they may encounter on a holiday to Egypt. Launched in March 2006, www.egypt.travel continues to feature important travel information such as visa requirements and useful phone numbers to help visitors have an enjoyable stay. Currently available in six languages - English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian - the website is one of the key initiatives of Egypt’s integrated marketing campaign (entitled “Gift of the Sun”) designed to help double global visitor numbers from eight million in 2004 to 16 million by 2014. For more information on Egypt visit www.egypt.travel. Archive press releases, fact sheets and free downloadable images can be found on www.press.egypt.travel.
Hundreds of American and European tourists arrived in Israel on Thursday morning in a way they haven't for years - by cruise ship. Greeted by an armada of buses, tour guides and Israel Tourism Ministry representatives bearing hats proclaiming "Israel Loves You," roughly 800 foreign visitors streamed across the gangplank and onto Israel soil after the first local docking of an international cruise ship in nearly seven years. The Amsterdam, a 62,000-ton vessel operated by the Holland America cruise company, was the first foreign cruise liner to drop anchor here since the outbreak of the second intifada, signaling the company's confidence in Israel's political and security situation. The 800 tourists, out of a total of 1,200 onboard, climbed onto some 21 buses for destinations including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Masada - a turnout crew members said may not have been matched at any of the Amsterdam's previous stops. The nine-story cruise ship is nearing the end of Holland America's annual "Around the World" tour, a 105-day journey that started in Miami in January and has so far included stops in South America, Australia, India and Egypt. The ship was scheduled to continue late Thursday to Haifa, Israel where passengers have the option of disembarking for a round of daylong tours in northern Israel before sailing on to Turkey, Greece and Italy. "During
the first half of 2006 their was an upward trend in tourism to Israel," says
Rafael. "However, in July 2006 hostilities with Lebanon broke out, causing
an abrupt decrease in incoming tourism. As a result, although overall tourism
data of 2006 are, to a large extent, similar to those of 2005, data for the two
halves of 2006 are not similar to the corresponding 2005 data. In 2006, the number
of tourist arrivals in Israel was 1.8 million - a 4% decrease compared to 2005
(a 22% increase in January-June and a 27% decrease in July-December). In 2005-2006
the number was 30% lower than the 2000 peak (2.4 million), but 60% higher than
the 2001-2004 average (1.2 million). As thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world descended on the Old City of Jerusalem to retrace the path Jesus traditionally took to his crucifixion, many others were touring Egypt or preparing to tour Egypt after their stay in Israel. The higher turnout is thanks to a lull in the Israel - Palestine conflict. Catholics and Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter on the same day this year, a rare coincidence. Ayoub Suleiman, in a galabiya and white turban, the traditional garb of Egyptian peasants, stood out amid the faithful throngs. “It is extraordinary. I hope I can come every year,” said the tireless 81-year old Copt from the southern Egyptian city of Assiut. “I pray God gives me the means to make this pilgrimage again,” said Amalia Numaan, 62, also from Egypt. Nearly 1,100 pilgrims came from Egypt to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem, according to Coptic monk Andriwas Awad, despite a ban by Pope Shenuda III, head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church and a fierce defender of the Palestinian cause. Israel said more than 8,000 Palestinian Christians from the West Bank and 500 from the Gaza Strip had been allowed into Jerusalem to celebrate Easter, despite Israel blocking all West Bank crossings for the Passover holiday to prevent terror attacks. The Good Friday procession is part of a week of Easter rituals in the Holy City. On Thursday, the city’s Christian leaders re-enacted Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 apostles. Both Passover and Easter overlap this year. Passover traditionally includes two celebratory feasts, called seders. During Passover, Jews eat no leavened bread. Rather, they eat matzo, a flatbread that symbolizes the quickly baked bread that the Israelites ate after their hasty flight from Egypt. But this Passover many from Israel are going to rather than running from Egypt. "Given Egypt's interaction with its neighbors in the Middle East, we must always remember and give credit that Egypt made peace with Israel - the first Arab state to do so," says Rafael. Today one can witness a real peace taking place between Jews, Christians and Muslims in both Israel and Egypt. On one of Mazada's Israel Egypt tours custom made buses travelling down from Tel Aviv to the Egypt border you can easily see new friendships beginning to take hold. "And yes, it is safe to travel to both Israel and Egypt," says Rafael. "But what is peace?," Rafael asks. "Peace is not signing a paper. True and real peace is only achieved between peoples. When people see and talk to others from outside their culture they no longer feel threatened. Fear turns into friendship. What you do not understand becomes a threat. And if you don't inform people about the good of other people, whether they be Jewish, Christian or Muslim, you get hate," says Rafael.
"Governments cannot make peace, only people can. And tourism is the key." Related
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