AArU Secretary-General Participates in the Opening of a Tourism Conference at Suez Canal University

As part of the Association of Arab Universities’ (AArU) efforts to support the activities of its specialized institutions and strengthen the role of universities in harnessing higher education and scientific research to serve development sectors across the Arab world, H.E. Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of AArU, participated in the opening of the 16th International Conference of the Association of Arab Faculties, Institutes and Departments of Tourism.

Held on 20–21 October 2026, in cooperation with the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at Suez Canal University in Ismailia, Egypt, the conference was held under the theme: “Tourism in the New Republic: Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Hospitality and Heritage Management Towards a Smart and Sustainable Future.”

Prof. Salama emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of universities in advancing the tourism industry by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, leveraging artificial intelligence and digital transformation to enhance tourism and hospitality services, and directing scientific research towards practical solutions to the sector’s challenges. These efforts can contribute to improving competitiveness, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and balancing economic growth with the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

In this context, Prof. Salama proposed the establishment of an Arab University Network for Integrated Tourism Innovation, in collaboration with the Association of Arab Faculties, Institutes and Departments of Tourism, member universities, and private-sector institutions.

The proposed network aims to foster an integrated Arab ecosystem connecting universities, research centres, and business incubators; facilitate the exchange of expertise and successful practices; align applied research with the actual needs of the tourism industry; and strengthen connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and markets. It would also help translate academic knowledge and university-led innovations into practical, scalable projects.

Prof. Salama stressed that advancing Arab tourism amid rapid technological and economic transformations requires moving beyond knowledge exchange towards effective partnerships that deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. He highlighted the scientific and research capacities of Arab universities and their potential to contribute directly to the development of the tourism sector, enhance its ability to respond to global developments, safeguard cultural and civilizational heritage, and advance sustainable development across the Arab region.

This participation reflects AArU’s continued commitment to strengthening the role of its specialized scientific associations and promoting cooperation between higher education institutions and productive sectors, thereby expanding the developmental impact of scientific research and fostering Arab partnerships that connect knowledge with innovation and practical application.