Egypt gears up for tourism season despite political turmoil

Egypt Air runs four flights a week from Mumbai and plans to increase this to five from October

The changed political situation in Egypt had a marginal impact on the country's tourism as of now as the season usually starts from September. However, if the uncertainty continues, it would impact the economy as it contributes 11.8 per cent to the GDP, according to Adel El Masry, director, Egypt Tourism Office in Mumbai.

"Tourism in the country is dominated by arrivals from Europe, which makes up to 70 per cent, followed by Arabs at 18 per cent and the remaining from Asia and Africa," he said.

He said they had not seen any fall in tourist enquiries for the upcoming season from the European customers. "The rise in dollar against the local currency has made tourism more attractive this year," Masry said.

The country participated by opening its stall at the three-day business-to-business (B2B) Travel and Tourism Fair, which concluded on July 14. Every year, around 100,000 Indians visit the country. However, during the 2010 crisis, Egypt saw a 30 per cent fall in tourist arrivals from India. In the aftermath of the slump, arrivals picked up to normal levels. This year, it is expecting more or less the previous year's figure.

Egypt Air runs four flights a week from Mumbai. To attract more tourists from India, it is planning to increase this to five a week from October.

The country has been offering exclusive Cairo, Nile Valley Cruise, Alexandria and Red Sea and Sinai packages to overseas tourists. Apart from these, the Sharm-el-Sheikh sea resort has been witnessing good arrivals over the years from Europeans and Arabs. On average, a package costs $700-800 for tourists, Masry added.

"Egypt is planning to organise tourism and travel fairs next year," he said.