Tourism in Sudan

Overview of Tourism:

Sudan has seen civilizations since 3000 BC. It abounds with many tourist assets of various types, thanks to the diversity of its geographical, historical, and cultural environments.

In the North, one finds the remains of ancient Nubian kingdoms, considered the cradle of human civilization, with pyramids and Pharaonic temples. Several kingdoms flourished there, the most powerful being the Kingdom of Napata in the 8th century BC, followed by the Kingdom of Meroë which ended in 350 AD.

Subsequently, small Christian Nubian states emerged in the 6th century, followed by Islamic sultanates such as the Blue Sultanate (1505-1821), the Sultanate of Darfur, the Kingdom of Tagali, and then the Mahdist State (1885-1898).

All these states and kingdoms have left historical remains that survive to this day.

Diversity of the Tourist Environment

In the East, where the waves of the Red Sea meet the Sudanese coastline, lie unique coral islands, habitat of colorful fish and a true paradise for diving enthusiasts.

In the West, sandy deserts stretch to infinity and volcanic peaks rise under a climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean.

 In the South and South-East, herds of gazelles, elephants, and lions roam amidst clouds of birds. Furthermore, cultural tourism manifests through the traditions of multiple tribes and ethnic groups, offering a wealth of music and varied traditional costumes.

Major Archaeological Sites

Among the important archaeological sites of Sudan are Kerma, Begrawiya, El-Kurru, Jebel Barkal, Meroe, Nuri, Sanam Abu Dom, Naqa, Musawwarat es-Sufra, Wad Ban Naqa, Tumbus, Sai Island, Tabo, Sâka, Soleb, Old Dongola and Sesi. All these sites are located in northern Sudan and represent the civilizations of the various kingdoms that emerged in the country since 2500 BC. Some Sudanese archaeological sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, notably: Jebel Barkal, El-Kurru, Nuri, Sanam Abu Dom, Meroe (the royal city) and El-Zouma

History of Tourism Organization:

The Evolution of Tourism in Sudan

Chronology of Administrative Organization:

In 1959: The first structure was created under the name "Department of Tourism," attached to the Ministry of Information and Labor.

In 1966: It was transformed into a service falling under Social Affairs, within the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

August 1966: Tourism became an independent service within the Ministry of Transport and Tourism. This was a major milestone, as it marked the first time a minister directly supervised the tourism body.

In 1971: In accordance with the law on public sector institutions, the official tourism authority became a corporation overseeing tourism and hotel activities (Tourism and Hotels Corporation).

In 1977: The Tourism and Hotels Authority Act was promulgated, making it an independent entity with a legal personality, comprising three departments: Tourism, Hotels, and Catering (Refreshments).

In 1983: Creation of the very first ministry specialized in the field of tourism (Ministry of Tourism and Hunting).

At the Beginning of 1985: Creation of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, which lasted until April of the same year, when the tourism organization was downgraded to the rank of an Authority.

In 1988: During the period of the Third Democracy, it once again became a central ministry: the Ministry of Tourism and Hotels.

Subsequent Evolutions:

The ministry has held various titles, such as:

• Ministry of Tourism and Environment
• Ministry of Culture and Tourism
• Ministry of Tourism and National Heritage
• Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities, and Wildlife

Names of the ministries that are successful in the ministry

• May 1966: Mohamed Hassib, Minister of Transport, Communications and Tourism
• 1983: General Mahmoud Abou Sinein, Minister of Tourism and Hunting
• January 1985: El-Sir Hassan Bashir, Minister of Aviation and Tourism
• 1985-1987: Amine Bashir Fallin, Minister of Tourism and Hotels
• 1987-1988: Mohamed Hammad Koua, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Tourism
• June 1989: Ali Ahmed Abdel Rahim, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Tourism
• General Ibrahim Nayel Edam, Minister of Communications and Tourism
• Kabshour Koko, Minister of Tourism
• 1993: Mohamed Tahir Aila, Minister of the Environment and Tourism
• 1997: General Dominic Kassiano, Minister of the Environment and Tourism
• 1998: Mohamed Tahir Aila, Minister of the Environment and Tourism.
• 1999: El-Tigani Adam El-Tahir, Minister of Environment and Tourism
• 2001: Abdel Bassit Abdel Majid, Minister of Culture and Tourism
• 2003: Abdel Jalil Al-Basha, Minister of Tourism and National Heritage
• 2008: Joseph Malwal, Minister of Tourism, Antiquities, and Wildlife
• 2011: Ahmed Babikir Nahar, Minister of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife
• 2012: Ghazi Al-Sadiq, Minister of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife
• 2012: Hasabo Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Minister of Tourism, Antiquities, and Wildlife
• 2013: Mohamed Abdel Karim Al-Hadd, Minister of Tourism, Antiquities, and Wildlife
• 2015: Mohamed Abou Zeid Mustafa, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities
• Omer Suleiman, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities
• Rawda El-Hadj, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities

List of Undersecretaries:

• General Sir Al-Khatim Mohamed Fadl: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
• Police General Mohieddin Mohamed Ali / Babikir Haneen: Undersecretaries of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
• Awad Saleh Al-Karnaki: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
• El-Zaki Ali Bishara: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and National Heritage (March 2004).
• Ali Mahjoub Atta El-Manan: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife (2013).
• Graham Abdel Qader Damin Hassan: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities (2019).