Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Tourism, one of the major income-generating sectors for Egypt, contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) with an11 percent share and approximately 4 million employees in 2500 companies.
The rise in tourists' numbers has been positive since the beginning of 2012, a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year. “The high increase in number of tourists was remarkably apparent a few days after President Mohammed Morsy was sworn in. Sharm Al-Sheikh, one of the most famous tourist cities worldwide is now fully booked,” said Mohammad Abdul Moneim, a director of business development and tourism expert currently on a visit to the Kingdom. “Cairo is picking up and we expect high traffic by Eid holidays.” Ashfaq Ahmad, from one of the major travel agencies in Jeddah noted an increase in bookings to Egypt during the last few weeks, mostly by families and especially to Sharm Al-Sheikh. He is optimistic about the future of tourism in Egypt in the near future as things settle back to normal. “According to statistics, the increase in number of tourists from January to May 2012 was remarkable. Total increase was 29 percent and Arab tourists were augmented by 48 percent. However, Saudi tourists are ranked second among tourists visiting Egypt, yet with a very high spending rate. In 2010 approximately 450,000 Saudis visited Egypt,” said Samy Mahmoud, head of the international tourism section in Egypt Tourist Authority. “There are special offers for Arab tourists, especially in Cairo, Alexandria, Sharm Al-Sheikh and Hurgada. Cairo and Alexandria hotels have real discounts and special offers,” commented Mahmoud. Shaded by the unique atmosphere of Ramadan, the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Egypt Tourist Authority, organized some festivals and celebrations for the holy month. A seven-day special festival with Arab music concerts will launch on July 12. Concerts will take place in Opera House and the cultural hall of The Citadel. During a period of turmoil that lasted for 18 months, Egypt's economy in general was negatively impacted. The tourism sector was among the first casualties. With the election of the new president, optimism is high once again.
