Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, Acting President of the University, confirmed that the tourism industry is not an easy task as it needs lots of work and continuous effort. He also declared that the time has come for Assiut Governorate to occupy a proper position on the global tourism map because of its distinct natural and touristic features. The university is also fully aware of the importance of this issue and therefore it has established a unit for the development and revitalization of tourism awareness at Assiut University. Such unit aims at supporting the efforts of the government to strengthen the status of ancient and modern Egypt, restore to Egypt to its global leadership, and instill a spirit of pride in and belonging to Egypt's history among new generations. Moreover, the president declared
that the university welcomes all ties of cooperation with various institutions concerned with developing touristic areas and raising their efficiency.
This declaration was during the university president's reception of Dr. Saeed Al-Batouti, Economic Adviser to the World Tourism Organization at the United Nations; Mr. Ayman Saad Ghorab, member of the technical office of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; and Dr. Samir Abdel Tawab, Director General of the Tourism Promotion Authority in Assiut. The reception was in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Abdel Mawla, Acting Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; and Mr. Shawkat Saber, Secretary of the University.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Mawla indicated that the tourism industry is a national security issue and is considered one of the most important productive sectors in the economy. He added that tourism plays an important role in stimulating foreign exchange resources and creating job opportunities. He also praised the efforts made by the university’s administration to support all student activities, especially those related to stimulating tourism, as well as the active role of the central youth welfare department at the university.