Amb. Wafaa Bassim, a member of Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) and the rapporteur of its foreign affairs committee, praised the impact of the International Spanish-Egyptian Congress for Tourism, Hospitality, and Heritage (ISECT) in fostering cooperation between Egypt and Spain in tourism and cultural exchange.
In an interview with Nile News, Ambassador Bassim emphasized that the congress, held by the Sinai High Institute for Tourism and Hotels in collaboration with Spain’s Complutense University of Madrid, served as a significant platform for mutual learning and cooperation.
Tourism as a Global Economic Driver
“Tourism has become one of the most vital sources of income worldwide, not just in Egypt,” Bassim noted, highlighting the importance of tourism in fostering economic growth and international ties.
ISECT’s Role in Egypt-Spain Collaboration
The second edition of ISECT took place in Cairo from February 4 to 6, 2025, bringing together experts, scholars, and professionals from both countries to discuss and share ideas about enhancing tourism practices, hospitality, and heritage preservation. Ambassador Bassim noted that Spain’s extensive experience and expertise in tourism served as an excellent model for Egypt to build upon, especially in the development of its own vibrant tourism sector.
