Dubai, UAE - Egypt is preparing to welcome yoga practitioners from around the world for its 2nd International Yoga Festival, to be held from March 24 to 31, 2007 in Taba Heights on the southern Sinai Peninsula. The 2007 festival aims to emulate the success of last year's inaugural festival which attracted 470 participants from around the world.
Keeping with the spiritual nature of yoga, the theme of the 2007 festival is "Unity in Diversity: Return to the Light." The theme was chosen as a reflection of Egypt's efforts to promote cross-cultural activities by bringing together participants from different countries and backgrounds.
Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga is commonly practiced for meditation and for the purpose of freeing mind, body and soul. Taba Heights was selected as the venue for the festival because its serene location complements the objectives of yoga. The resort is well-known for its rich, stunning coral beaches and natural reserves as well as a calming, relaxing atmosphere nestled among Sinai's magnificent red mountains.
"Egypt is honoured to host such a unique event for the second time in Sinai. It is an excellent opportunity for Egypt to promote the beauty and serenity of the Red Sea while attracting a different segment of tourism that is interested in the mystical world of yoga," said Ahmed El Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority.
The eight-day festival will take place in the form of workshops, lectures and classes instructed by eight world-renowned international yoga professionals lauded for their high standard of yoga teaching and spiritual expertise. Each instructor is specialized in different areas of yoga, allowing yogis the opportunity for more advanced study of various fields. Among the specialized teachers is venerable Tenzin Yignyen (ordained as a monk by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama).
The festival is organized by T.E.N Tours Travel, with tickets and booking available online. Each ticket includes all activities in addition to full-board accommodation at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Hotel or Marriott Beach Resort as well as bus transportation from Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh to Taba.
For further information on the festival booking or itinerary please visit
www.egyptyogafestival.com
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Notes to Editors
- The Egyptian Tourism Authority has an ambitious strategic programme which aims to double visitor numbers, from 8 million in 2004 to 16 million in 2014.
- In 2006, visitor numbers reached a record high of 9.1 million, an increase of 5.5% on 2005.
- Archive press releases, fact sheets and free to download images can be found on www.egypt.travel and www.press.egypt.travel
About Egypt
Bordered by the Mediterranean to the North, and the Red Sea to the South East, Egypt is a diverse country full of hidden treasures.
Synonymous with the legends of the Pharaohs, Egypt offers a warm welcome by its friendly people and has a rich blend of culture and cuisine - combined with abundant coral reefs and luxurious beach resorts.
Egypt provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking guaranteed year-round sunshine, value for money, and the highest standards of accommodation and service.
For press inquiries please contact:
Stefanie Branke
TRACCS Public Relations
T: 04-367-2530
F: 04-367-2531
E: Stefanie.Branke@traccs.net
For trade and public enquiries please contact:
Egyptian Tourism Authority office
www.egypt.travel
Egyptian Tourism Authority, Cairo
Ahmad Marei
T: +202-262-6843
F: +202-263-7199
E: amarei@egypt.travel
© Press Release 2007
