The Egyptian city of Aswan will host the official 2011 World Tourism Day celebrations, which will include a high-level think tank on this year’s theme: ‘Tourism – Linking Cultures’.

“It is most fitting that Egypt, home to some of the world’s most celebrated cultural heritage and a leading tourism destination, be the host country for the official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2011,” said UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai.

Egypt is world famous for its rich history and vibrant culture, which draw millions of tourists to the country each year.

It is precisely this interaction between the peoples and cultures of the world, driven by tourism, that is at the heart of the WTD 2011 theme.

“We are very honored to be hosting the official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2011 in Egypt,” said Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour, Egypt minister of tourism.

“World Tourism Day is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness around the world of this vital economic sector and its contribution to social, economic, and environmental well-being worldwide and in Egypt in particular.”

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Egyptian society, representing 12 per cent of our GDP in 2010 and responsible for one in every seven jobs.

Planned WTD activities in Aswan include a high-level think tank on the 2011 theme, at which leading public and private tourism stakeholders, academia, and the media will address the role of tourism in building understanding, respect, and tolerance worldwide.

World Tourism Day is scheduled for September 27th, 2011.

World Travel Awards

Illustrating a remarkable turnaround for the Egyptian tourism industry following the political unrest seen earlier in the year, World Travel Awards has also confirmed it will host its annual Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the country in September.

The event – known as the Oscars of the travel industry – will visit Egypt Hall at SOHO SQUARE in Sharm el Sheikh on September 16th.

Take a look at the official website for more information.