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The summit is taking place on board the cruise ship Crystal Serenity while it is passing through the Suez Canal

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has selected the Suez Canal as one of the key locations for its annual summit in 2026.

Rabie , "The fact that the Suez Canal is hosting this summit demonstrates growing confidence in its readiness to receive all types of cruise ships."

The Chairman of the WTTC's Egypt is an ideal global tourism destination, and the Suez Canal is a vital waterway between Europe and Asia, as well as being an engineering marvel.'

Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced that the cruise ship Crystal Serenity, which will host the 2026 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Leaders' Summit in Egypt, passed through the canal today (Thursday), emphasising the vital role it plays in the itineraries of major global cruise ships.

The Leaders' Summit of WTTC) is being held in Egypt

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is holding its Leaders' Summit in Egypt. The summit's theme is "The Leadership Journey of Global Tourism Leaders: Recovery, Leadership and Transformation: Prospects for the Travel and Tourism Sector in the Next Decade”. This notable global occasion unites Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre Dovidio, Chairman of the WTTC, and a hand-picked group of worldwide travel and tourism industry leaders, including ministers, key decision-makers, and CEOs, along with leaders from Egypt's public and private tourism sectors.

The canal's growing importance in supporting global travel and tourism

Admiral Osama Rabie also commented on this significant event, highlighting the decision to include the Suez Canal in the WTTC Leaders' Summit itinerary in Egypt. He said that this choice sends a clear message about the canal's growing importance in supporting global travel and tourism, as well as its crucial role in facilitating international trade and ensuring the smooth operation of global supply chains

The SCA Chairman emphasised that hosting this summit demonstrates growing confidence in the canal's capacity and readiness to receive all types of cruise ships. This is particularly significant given the Authority's recent efforts to introduce new services to meet the needs of transiting vessels. This is in addition to ongoing development projects for the waterway, as well as the adoption of flexible marketing policies to encourage cruise ships to transit the canal and call at Egyptian ports.

SCA: Apivotal hub for maritime tourism and logistics services.

Rabie pointed out that the Suez Canal Authority SCA has made significant progress in developing tourism assets, enhancing its position as a pivotal hub for maritime tourism and logistics services. He noted the completion of the Suez Canal Yacht Marina development in Ismailia, Egypt's first sustainable marina for yacht tourism, which adheres to environmental requirements and standards within the Authority's green transformation strategy. Rabie also mentioned that the canal possesses several historical sites that are considered tourist attractions

Egypt is an ideal global tourist destination

For his part, Mr Manfredi Lefebvre Dovidio, Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council, affirmed that Egypt is an ideal global tourist destination thanks to its rich cultural and historical heritage, magnificent attractions, and welcoming people. He extended an invitation to visit Egypt.

The Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council was proud to have met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and to have discussed the latter's ambitious strategic vision, many of whose goals have now been achieved, particularly in terms of infrastructure development. He also spoke of his deep affection for the Suez Canal, which inspired his decision to host the summit aboard a cruise ship passing through the canal. This emphasised the canal's importance as a vital global waterway connecting Europe and Asia, as well as its status as an impressive engineering feat.

Ensuring safe transit.

Conversely, Captain Berger G. Forland, the ship's captain, confirmed that the Suez Canal Authority makes every effort to improve transit services for passing vessels and ensure safe passage by appointing experienced and efficient pilots. This allows them to work towards a shared goal of ensuring safe transit. He also expressed his appreciation for the canal's development efforts, which have contributed to widening the waterway and increasing the number of double-lane sections to facilitate the passage of giant ships.

The Authority's protocol

The Authority's protocol was followed when Admiral Osama Rabie, the Chairman, selected and appointed several senior pilots to guide the ship. He also tasked the Authority's official spokesperson, Mr George Safwat, with delivering a presentation on the Authority's efforts to support tourism, welcoming the President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and presenting commemorative gifts during the summit sessions.

About : Crystal Serenity

The cruise ship Crystal Serenity (IMO 9243667, MMSI 311536000 -sailing under the flag of the Bahamas. ) belongs to the Crystal Cruises (A&K) fleet. Measuring 250 metres in length and 34 metres in width, the ship flies the flag of the Bahamas.

Source : Press - Release received by Maritime Tickers

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