The comments were made at the start of the UNWTO executive meeting in Malaga, which marked the start of Egypt and its minister of tourism Yehia Rashed chairing the executive council of the UNWTO for the next 12 months.

In a session focused on security and tourism, UNWTO urged the world to visit Egypt and to “be positive and optimistic about global tourism, especially in countries such as Egypt”.

UNWTO added that “the global tourism movement was a cornerstone for both international economic and human development”.

Tourism minister Rashed, welcomed the comments: “I fully support the UNWTO’s positive message today that all unnecessary bans on travel and tourism should be lifted.

“Egypt has taken significant positive steps in addressing security issues and the UNWTO’s support is to be warmly welcomed. I call upon all those countries who currently possess flight restrictions to consider the UNWTO’s request positively.
 
“The support of such an influential United Nations body inviting the world to Egypt marks the start of a great opportunity for Egyptian tourism.”

Flights from the UK to Sharm el Sheikh have been banned since November 17, following the downing of a Russian passenger plane in October last year.

Thomas Cook has cancelled bookings to Sharm el Sheikh until November 1, while Tui has cancelled flights until September 29. EasyJet has also cancelled flights to the resort for the entire summer season.

Some 224 Russian passengers and crew were killed after the Metrojet plane was allegedly brought down by an explosive device not long after it had taken off from Sharm el Sheikh airport.