March 19- Egyptian Tourism Minister, Zoheir Garranah, and Major General Adel Labib, the Governor of Alexandria, have selected Alexandria as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2010 and have announced the initiation of festivals in this regard at a press conference held on March 17 in Alexandria.

The selection was originally made in May 2009 by the Arab Ministerial Council of Tourism that chose Alexandria as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2010 out of 12 other Arab cities that participated in the competition. The idea was proposed by the Arab League to annually select one of Arab city to be the capital of Arab tourism.

It is hoped, said the minister, that this annual selection will encourage inter-Arab tourism by highlighting the customs and traditions of each city. Activities will begin next month and continue till December 25, 2010. They include festivals and cultural, artistic, touristic, and sportive events in collaboration with various Arab and foreign embassies, the Library of Alexandria, and cultural and artistic institutions.

Also, the Egyptian Tourism Authority has prepared special guide for Alexandria in both English and Arabic languages that will be published soon. In addition, a monthly leaflet will be published highlighting all activities in this regard along with a website that will also be launched soon.

Alexandria has a rich history of several civilizations evident from the cultural and historic landmarks in the city. Furthermore, the climate of the region is mild in both summer and winter, thus making it an attractive tourist destination.