Ashraf AboArafe
Cairo, October 4, 2025 — The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the Arab Republic of Egypt proudly announced the successful organization of an exceptional international webinar entitled “Tourism in Egypt and Venezuela: Government Perspectives and Future Horizons.”
Held under the auspices of the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, and guided by the insightful leadership of H.E. Ambassador Wilmer Omar Barrientos, the event celebrated the World Tourism Day and marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Egypt — a milestone reflecting the embassy’s steadfast commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing joint tourism initiatives.
The webinar was skillfully moderated by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assal, Tourism and Cultural Advisor at the Venezuelan Embassy, who not only steered the academic dialogue with remarkable expertise but also expressed heartfelt appreciation for Ambassador Barrientos’ pivotal role in shaping and supporting this visionary tourism partnership.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Barrientos underscored the importance of the webinar as a strategic platform to explore new avenues of cooperation, foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and ultimately strengthen the foundations of a prosperous and sustainable tourism future between the two nations.
The event brought together an elite group of academics and tourism experts from both countries. From the Egyptian side, Dr. Ghada Hammoud, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at October 6 University, delivered an illuminating presentation on “Tourism and Its Diverse Patterns in Egypt.” She highlighted the strategic importance of tourism as a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy and showcased the multifaceted richness of its tourism experiences.
Following her, Dr. Ashraf Abdel-Maaboud, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at Fayoum University, provided an in-depth analysis on “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Egypt.” His data-driven presentation emphasized tourism’s strong contribution to GDP and employment, illustrating the industry’s dynamism and economic vitality.
From the Venezuelan side, Dr. Nathaly Miroslava Romero Castillo, representing the National Tourism Institute (INATUR), and Dr. Raúl Enrique Benavides Martiatu, from the National Experimental University Simón Rodríguez, presented a comprehensive joint paper titled “Tourism in Venezuela in Figures: Government Plans and Diversity of Experiences.” They showcased Venezuela’s vast tourism potential, detailing government-led modernization programs and the nation’s unmatched natural and cultural wealth — positioning Venezuela as a promising and globally attractive destination.
The webinar concluded with unanimous agreement on the vital need to maintain and expand such engagements. Participants emphasized the importance of developing tangible, actionable frameworks that deepen mutual understanding, strengthen tourism exchange, and promote joint investment — all in pursuit of sustainable growth and shared prosperity between Egypt and Venezuela.
