Tourism Journalists and Travel Writers (FIJET ) representing 30 countries from around the world met at FIJET’s “The route of the Holy Family” themed 68th World Congress in Egypt. The theme suggested by Mr. Mounir Ghabbour, founder of the Nehra Association, aims at bringing attention to the historical story and its apparent religious significance. < vital>The goal is to attract tourists devoted to such informative experiences. Thereby creating an economic gain for all the related areas. The opportunity to follow actual roads of pilgrimage and places of such profound significance is a vital resource that must be provided.
The opening ceremony of the Congress counted with a warm welcome speech for all participants by the Vice President of FIJET and organizer of the event, Mr. Salah Attia, who boasted the benefits of his country and Egyptian hospitality, highlighting the importance of tourism.
During his inaugural speech, the President of the International Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers, “FIJET,” Mr. Tijani Haddad, called for peace and understanding among all countries of the world for tourism marked by unity and prosperity. Among other notable speeches were Mr. Amr EL Kady, CEO of the Authority of Tourism, and Dr. Mostafa Waziry, Secretary-General of the Council of Egyptian Antiquities.
Following the opening of the Congress, all participants were invited to the National Museum of the Egyptian Civilization, located at the ancient city of Fusat. The Museum officially opened on April 4, 2021, following the arrival of the mummies of the Pharaohs in a sizeable public parade paying tribute to these ancient kings. You can see these royal mummies inside the museum in a place specially designated for them.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, located in the city center on Tahir square in a neoclassical building, Opened in 1902. This Museum host the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities made up of more than 150,000 pieces encompassing all époques of the history of this civilization. Following the visit to the Museum, we were invited to admire a spectacular show of light and sound at the Pyramids of GIZA.
As expected, following the Congress program, we boarded the plane that would take us from Cairo to Aswan, a beautiful city and historical place for excellence that gives its name to the reservoir located at the east bank of the Nile River called the Aswan High Dam. Built between 1959 and 1970 by the Egyptian Government and The Soviet Union to end the floods in the lower Nile territory. At night we all had the opportunity of being participate of a folkloric Egyptian show. In addition, we were treated to excellent Egyptian gastronomy.
Another important visit to Aswan was the very famous Philae temple, dedicated to the goddess of love, Isis. The temple is located on the peaceful island of Agilkia on its temple walls; you can see the vestiges of Egyptian mythology. In the late afternoon, we were spectators of a sound and light show in the temple of Isis. Later, we boarded a boat that would take us to navigate through the Nile River, visiting Kom Ombo, a small village situated at the banks of the Nile River where we could admire its spectacular unique double temple and one of the oldest in Egypt. Sailing along the Nile River, we arrived at Luxor a small city full of history and site of the oldest temples of great religious significance of ancient Egypt. We were invited to a spectacular light and sound show at LUXOR and KARNAK temples. 
Located on the outskirts of Luxor is “The Valley of the Kings,” a royal necropolis where ancient Egyptian Pharaohs are buried. This extensive cemetery contains more than 60 tombs belonging to Pharaohs and the nobility of the New Kingdom. Among those that have been discovered are the tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II. This site became famous for the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922; it remains an archaeological site of greater importance.
The most relevant event during the Congress was the Election of the President and members of the Executive Committee that will govern for the next six years.
The Elections Committee chaired by Maria Elena Paredes, President of FIJET-Americas, Anna Prezler, FIJET-Poland, and Sisi Muniz, FIJET-Austria, began to proceed with the elections resulting in re-election as President of the International Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers ” FIJET,” of Mr. Tijani Haddad. The new Executive Committee was made up of the following members:
Salah Attia – Egypt, Delal T Atamdede – Turkey, Stefan Baciu- Romania, Tina Cubrilo – Croatia, Najib Senhandji – Morocco, Plamen Starev – Bulgaria, and Ludmila Novacka- Slovakia
Immediately afterward, at the closing of this successful Congress, we were offered a farewell cocktail sponsored by Mr. Mamdouh Philippe, which took place at the Sonesta St. George Hotel in Luxor.
This Congress was the fusion of culture, history, hospitality, and gastronomy that came together to give us something unique and wonderful. At the same time, it should be noted that the Congress was developed in an atmosphere of camaraderie in absolute security for all attendees, demonstrating that this magical country, the cradle of civilization, offers protection, cordiality and hospitality to all visitors. It is important to note that we should not be intimidated by the negative press that significantly influences and intimidates world tourism.
On behalf of FIJET-Americas, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Salah Attia, Vice President of FIJET and organizer of the Congress, and to all those who made the 68th Congress of the International Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers. “FIJET” was a great success.
MARIA ELENA PAREDES
(The writer is the President of FIJET-AMERICA)
