Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
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Corridor Planning and Establishment
In terms of theme formulation and asset identification, in Egypt, the Ministry of Tourism, in
cooperation with the Coptic Church, researched the Holy Family sites to decide which should
be included in the TC. The Coptic Church formed a committee of bishops to draft a map of the
sites visited by the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt. Currently, the Ministry of
Tourism is preparing to apply to UNESCO to designate some of the TC sites as World Heritage
Sites.542
In terms of infrastructure assessment and development, in Egypt, the government has worked
on improving the road network connecting the Holy Family sites. It has set a three-phase plan
to improve accessibility to the corridor and has allocated $3.5 million to improve the
infrastructure in the first phase. 543 In Jordan, the government has worked on facilitating
convenient transportation and providing the necessary services to receive all Christian
denominations, visitors, and pilgrims from all over the world. 544 Marked paths and trails link
accommodation facilities to the core archeological area. Shuttle buses are also provided for
tourists going to and from the sites.
Corridor Governance and Management
In terms of governance structure, in Egypt, the Tourism Development Authority is responsible
for the coordination between the various government bodies that work together to manage and
promote the corridor, including the Ministry of Antiquities, the Ministry of Tourism, and the
Ministry of Local Development. The archaeological sites fall under the supervision of the
Ministry of Antiquities. In Jordan, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan
Tourism Board (JTB) collaborate in the management and promotion of the MDTC sites.
Although several agreements were signed in late 2016 between Egypt and Jordan for the
development of the trail, there is currently no joint formal organization overseeing the MDTC.
In terms of collaboration with stakeholders, in Egypt, several government bodies, such as the
Ministry of Antiquities, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Tourism Development Authority,
cooperate with non-governmental organizations such as the “Revival of the Egyptian Heritage
Society” as well as the Coptic Church. In Jordan, development agencies and donors have played
a crucial role in supporting the Holy Family sites. 545
In terms of travel facilitation, there is currently no cooperation in the area between corridor
countries. Many tourism agencies organize tours over three countries, with tourists applying
for visas for each country separately. Due to the political and security situations in the corridor
countries, it is difficult to envision a unified visa for the corridor.
In terms of capacity building, in Egypt, the government is planning hospitality and language
training for local communities in Upper Egypt, to enable them to provide tourism services for
tourists visiting the Holy Family sites. The fact that the Holy Family sites are located in areas
that are economically disadvantaged will help create better employment opportunities for local
542 Marc Espanol, "Egypt to Boost Spiritual Tourism through the Holy Family Trail," Al-Monitor, last modified May 31, 2019,
543 Ibid.
544 "Search," Amon News, accessed October 13, 2019,
545 "Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities.," MOTA, last modified October 13, 2019,