Saint Catherine City

Saint Catherine City in South Sinai Winning the AFASU Golden Award as "Capital of Religions, Tolerance, Peace, and Tourism in the World"

Introduction:

The recognition of Saint Catherine City in South Sinai with the prestigious AFASU Golden Award, titled "Capital of Religions, Tolerance, Peace, and Tourism in the World," highlights the city's unique and impactful role in promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among religions. Saint Catherine is a city where faiths converge, housing religious and historical landmarks of significant importance, making it a global hub for religious, cultural, and eco-tourism.

Significance of the Award and Its Objectives:

The AFASU Golden Award is not merely a symbolic accolade; it represents a formal acknowledgment by the Afro-Asian Union of the essential role cities play in promoting global peace, unity, and responsible tourism. This award is an open invitation for the world to discover cities with notable religious and cultural heritage, fostering awareness around the importance of religious and cultural tourism as a means of fostering mutual understanding among nations.

Criteria for Awarding Saint Catherine City:

Saint Catherine was selected as the recipient of the "Capital of Religions, Tolerance, Peace, and Tourism in the World" award based on several key criteria that distinguish the city and qualified it for this global honor. Below are some of these essential criteria:

1. Religious and Spiritual Importance:
Saint Catherine is a meeting point for the three Abrahamic religions. It hosts Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, serving as a sacred site for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Additionally, it is home to Mount Sinai, a deeply revered landmark in the Abrahamic faiths.

2. Cultural Diversity and Peaceful Coexistence:
The city is renowned for its multicultural environment, where local communities from various religious and ethnic backgrounds live in harmony. This peaceful coexistence reflects a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that permeates the city.

3. Importance as a Center for Religious, Cultural, and Eco-Tourism:
Saint Catherine is a globally recognized destination for tourists seeking religious, cultural, and eco-tourism experiences. The city offers visitors the opportunity to explore its historical sites and experience its captivating natural environment, which enhances its global tourism appeal.

4. Commitment to Sustainable Development:
The Egyptian government has been implementing development projects to preserve the city’s environmental and cultural heritage, aiming to promote sustainable growth and offer a comprehensive tourism experience that respects both nature and history.

5. Role in Promoting Peace and Tolerance:
With its religious and spiritual significance, Saint Catherine plays a crucial role in advancing values of peace and tolerance globally, positioning it as an international symbol of interfaith harmony.

Award President:

The international tourism expert, member of the Board of Directors of the African Asian Union (AFASU) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Travel Index International, Mr. Bernard Metzger. To visit the award announcement video, please visit this link:
https://youtu.be/Q00VCoRD2uw?si=krMcYHPaYy0MVK1U
 

Overview of the "Great Transfiguration Project" in Saint Catherine:

To elevate Saint Catherine’s status as a premier global destination, the Egyptian government has launched the "Great Transfiguration Project," one of the largest development projects in South Sinai. This project aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure while preserving its spiritual and religious character, focusing on several main pillars:

1. Tourism Infrastructure Development:
The project includes upgrading hospitality facilities, developing hotels and eco-lodges, ensuring a comfortable and well-rounded experience for visitors.

2. Environmental and Natural Heritage Preservation:
The government is prioritizing the preservation of the city’s natural environment, ensuring that development projects are carried out in a manner that respects the area’s unique ecological heritage.

3. Highlighting Religious and Cultural Landmarks:
The project aims to restore and enhance the city’s religious and historical landmarks, such as Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, making them more accessible to visitors while preserving their spiritual essence.

4. Promoting Eco- and Religious Tourism:
The project emphasizes Saint Catherine’s position as a key destination for eco- and religious tourism through sustainable tourism programs, encouraging visitors to explore the city’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage.

5. Job Creation and Support for the Local Economy:
By creating new job opportunities and supporting local economic activities, the project aims to improve the standard of living for the residents and strengthen the local economy.

Conclusion:

Saint Catherine’s recognition with the AFASU Golden Award is a testament to the city’s unique status as a global capital for peace, tolerance, and coexistence. This honor is an international acknowledgment of the city’s spiritual and cultural depth and enhances Egypt’s standing as a leading destination for religious, cultural, and eco-tourism.
The Great Transfiguration Project represents a major step toward strengthening the city’s appeal and establishing it as a global model for sustainable tourism, contributing to Egypt’s 2030 Vision for tourism development.