Cervantes Institute Director Stresses Importance of Language Learning in Boosting Tourism

Jose Manuel Alba Pastor, the director of the Cervantes Institute in Cairo, underscored the critical role language education plays for professionals in the tourism industry. He emphasized that learning languages is essential for enhancing tourists’ experiences, as it acts as a vital bridge for conveying information and culture between the host country and its visitors. Furthermore, he highlighted the role language learning plays in fostering cultural integration between tourists and their host nation. He pointed out that offering Spanish language programs and providing accredited certifications to learners can have a positive impact on the tourism sector and enhance cultural understanding.

Cervantes Institute

These remarks were made during the International Spanish-Egyptian Congress for Tourism, Hospitality, and Heritage (ISECT). The event, organized by the Sinai High Institute for Tourism and Hotels in Ras Sedr in collaboration with Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, took place from February 4th to 5th. The conference featured discussions on a wide range of scientific studies related to tourism, hospitality, and artificial intelligence, enriching the dialogue and exchanges among participants.

“Tourism is one of the most effective ways to enhance cultural exchange and bring people closer together,” Jose said. “The Cervantes Institute is proud to collaborate with local and international institutions that support cultural proximity activities, particularly in tourism. We were delighted to sponsor the ISECT alongside many prominent Egyptian and international institutions. These initiatives foster cultural closeness and, of course, contribute to strengthening national economies by developing one of their most significant pillars: tourism.”

Jose also highlighted that conferences like this provide an opportunity to discuss the latest developments and scientific research in tourism and hospitality, fostering academic and professional collaboration among experts and enthusiasts in this vital sector both locally and globally.

This conference marked its second edition and included sessions on mechanisms and measures to improve tourists’ experiences, enhance the operational efficiency of tourism institutions, and apply artificial intelligence in tourism and hospitality. The conference was organized under the supervision and sponsorship of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, with notable attendance from university presidents, deans of tourism and hotel faculties, as well as experts and enthusiasts from within and outside Egypt.