Lagarde Calls on Pranab Mukherjee

French Finance Minsiter, Ms. Christine Lagarde Calls on Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Seek Support for her Candidature for the Post of MD, IMF:
The French Finance Minister, Ms. Christine Lagarde called on the Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee today as part of her effort to seek support for her candidature to the post of Managing Director, IMF.

During her talks, she outlined her vision for reforms that IMF needs to undertake and the role it can play in addressing the current challenges confronting the world economy including G-20 matters.Ms. Lagarde conveyed to the Finance Minister that her conviction is that the IMF should reflect current global economic realities and there is need for greater voice for the emerging market developing countries in all the significant issues that the world today confronts.

The Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee exchanged views with her on the above issues and also indicated India’s expectations from the IMF and its leadership. Describing her as an old friend of India and outlining our strong relationship with France, he wished her well in her efforts to gain support for her candidature.

Egyptian tourism see recovery in tourism

Nksagar Sagar Media Inc: New Delhi, June 6 2011:Egyptian tourism and Egypt Air see recovery in tourism and air traffic post political unrest.- increase baggage allowance to woo tourists - In order to woo tourists travel to Egypt post their democratic movement in January, 2011, Egypt-air has doubled its baggage allowance for its international and domestic passengers. With this, Egyptair becomes one of the very few airlines in the world to allow two checked in bags free of charge on both its international and domestic sectors.

This was announced by Mr Medhat Nabil, General Manager Egyptair and Mr Adel EL Masry, Director Egyptian Tourism Office in India following the decision taken by the airline in Egypt . Commenting on the development, Mr Adel El Masy said, “Egyptian tourism has taken a toll in the wake of the recent political turmoil in the country. However, everything is behind us now and we are making all possible efforts to ensure that the country that has more than 12% of its GDP from tourism alone, does not further face any problems and extends all comforts to the visiting guests. With the baggage allowance going up Egyptair has ensured that tourists enjoy even the shopping experience.”

“Because of the recent political movement, the airline had lost its business considerably. This move will help Egyptair attract more and more tourists from all over the world and not only India , as people, when they travel abroad, like to travel in their comfort zone with all their personal articles on them. This will be one incentive to travel to Egypt as not many airlines allow such baggage allowance”, said Mr. Medhat Nabil.

Egypt Air currently has three weekly flights from Mumbai to Cairo . “We will plan to increase the number of flights as well in the near future as soon as the number of passengers to Cairo starts increasing. “With increase in baggage allowance, we are hopeful to coming back to normalcy very soon”, said Mr. Hussein Massoud, EGYPTAIR HOLDING CHAIRMAN &CEO in Cairo . He further added “Even internally, people feel safer traveling. We expect internal tourism pick up as well as a result of this endeavor. In spite of the increase of operating costs because of the soaring oil prices, EGYPT AIR has launched this new policy to support the Egyptian customers and to encourage the tourism traffic into Egypt .”

The new baggage allowance enables the economy class customers on all international flights to carry 2 free bags, 23 kilos each, with a total of 46 kilos. On the other hand, business class customers can carry two free pieces of baggage with 32 kilos each; this is in addition to one hand bag accompanied onboard with a maximum weight of 7 kilos on all classes.

Moreover, customers flying to any domestic destination in Egypt can carry one baggage with a maximum of 23 kilos on economy, 32 kilos on business in addition to 7 kilos to be carried onboard. EGYPTAIR Plus frequent flyers can enjoy additional benefits, as the gold card holders can carry an additional baggage with a maximum of 23 kilos. Further, the silver card holders will enjoy a 50 % discount on the third piece; this is in addition to other benefits such as the upgrade to a higher class, redeeming the points with free tickets, using the lounges around the globe, priority check-in and priority baggage handling.

Attracting tourist needs a strategy which includes a combination of factors like frequent airline connectivity both domestic & international, reasonable air fare, and benefits for the travelers which EgyptAir is assertively taking into consideration to increase tourist traffic in places such as Cairo , Luxor , Sharm el-Sheikh, Alexandria , Aswan which had suffered a slowdown during the democratic movement.

More information about the new policy is available through www.egyptair.com or through calling 1717 from any mobile, 090070000 from any landline in Egypt .

About EgyptAir:

Egypt Air is the flag carrier airline of Egypt and a member of Star Alliance. The airline is based at Cairo International Airport, its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 75 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. An extensive network of domestic services is focused on Cairo, Egypt 's capital. Egypt Air is Africa 's largest airline, joining Star Alliance on 11 July 2008. The company is headquartered in the EgyptAir Administrative Complex on the grounds of Cairo International Airport in Cairo

About Egypt :

· Bordered by the Mediterranean to the North, and the Red Sea to the South East, Egypt is a diverse country full of hidden treasures.



· Synonymous with the legends of the Pharaohs, Egypt offers a warm welcome by its friendly people and has a rich blend of culture and cuisine – combined with abundant coral reefs and luxurious beach resorts.



· Egypt provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking guaranteed year-round sunshine, value for money, and the highest standards of accommodation and service.