Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou took part in a symposium on Wednesday on the future of Egypt under the sponsorship of the General Authority of Investments and Free Areas (GAFI).

The minister reviewed tourism rates last year that hit 9.9 million tourists, saying the ministry is exerting utmost efforts to lure more tourists to Egypt.

He made clear that tourism was largely affected by the crash of the Russian plane in central Sinai October 31, saying the government is taking steps to contain this crisis.

He unveiled contacts with the Russian and British sides to get out of the current crisis.

Egypt, like any other country in the world, is revising airport security measures to guarantee best safety standards, he said.

He underlined the importance of developing human cadres operating in the tourism sector as well as the tourist product within the coming period to overcome the current crisis.

He called for setting up entertainment projects like cinemas and cafes in tourist destinations to encourage tourists to extend their stay.

Sustainable tourism is the future, he said, adding that the ministry set up the green tourism unit in this regard.

In a bid to encourage hotels to follow suit, the Chamber of Hotels awarded the hotels that were committed to the green tourism criteria the "Green Star" certificate.

He unveiled ongoing cooperation between the Tourism Ministry and the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers to improve tourist products.

Sources: MENA