Will Jesus save Egypt's struggling tourism industry?

The Egyptian government plans to expand its religious tourism map by adding the route that Jesus, Mary and Joseph are believed to have traveled after they fled Palestine. The move comes in an effort to boost an industry that has been hit hard since the 2011 revolution. Tourism Minister Yehia Rashed flew to Rome on May 9 to discuss promotional opportunities involving the holy family's journey with Vatican tourism officials.

In a May 11 statement, Rashed said that eight of 25 historical sites to be included in the tour are ready to receive visitors. The sites include the Church of St. Sergius and the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Convent in Maadi, the three monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Jabal al-Tair near Minya, Muharraq Monastery at Mount Koskam and the Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Monastery at Mount Durunka in Assiut governorate. According to legend, the holy family made stops or had stays at these places or locations during their exile.

Shortly before Rashid’s trip to Rome, Pope Francis had made a landmark visit to Egypt, April 28-29. Rashid said in a statement, “The pope’s visit, the photos [of it] and the content of the visit will contribute significantly to boosting Egypt’s tourism industry, especially in the markets interested in religious tourism.”

The Gospel of Matthew says Mary, Joseph and Jesus fled to Egypt to escape the clutches of King Herod, who feared losing his throne after the Magi proclaimed Jesus the new king of the Jews. To stave off that possibility, Herod sought to kill Jesus. God visited Joseph in a dream, telling him to escort the baby Jesus and his mother to Egypt, where they would find refuge until Herod's death and receive his message to return to Palestine.