The capital of World Tourism. These are billboards seen everywhere in Luxor, Egypt today. The reason is the country is hosting the 104th session of the Executive Council for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The important events are at a critical time for Egypt.

“This is no accident, that we meet in Egypt”, UNWTO secretary General Taleb Rifai told the audience tonight at the opening event at the Sonesta St. George Hotel in Luxor.

The opening ceremony was an impressive event Sunday evening. Facing the Nile, the opening dances, delicious food and a pleasant breath made this night perfect.

Sailing boats going back and forth in front of the global audience of travel executive and government officials enhanced the picture perfect scene. UNWTO secretary General Taleb Rifai continued to say while pointing across the river to the West Bank of the city:”Your Excellencies, this is not Hollywood, this the real thing. This is where its all began.”

Tourism in Egypt will be back and is recovering already. Egypt and tourism is connected. A dedicated, sophisticated and trained travel industry is doing whatever it takes to showcase Egypt as a special and a safe place to visit. Visitors will see thousands of years of preserved history to the world. Egypt is a perfect combination with Jordan. Petra and Luxor should be sister cities and visited on one trip. It’s a perfect combination.

Taleb Rifai appealed to visiting ministers, delegates, and press:”Visit people at their home, experience this country. Don’t just go to the conference, go out and explore.”

The official sessions will start on Monday.