Egyptian trade exceeds SR3.5 billion annually. Referring to the facilities offered by Egypt under the new regime, Al-Khadim said that the Gulf tourists can also stay in Egypt for one year on renewable tourist visas and by paying the vehicle fees they can keep their private vehicles there for up to six months. This will be in addition to private tour operators and travel and tourism companies, which have geared themselves up to serve more tourists with tailor-made packages this year. He said that Egypt attracted some 1.5 million Arab tourists including Saudis last year. According to statistics, out of 1.5 million Arab tourists who visited Egypt last year, 344,000 were from Libya followed by 309,000 Saudis. Of the total tourist inflow last year, 18 to 20 percent were from Arab countries, which is second to the number of European tourists. Al-Khadim and his entourage are presently on a visit to the Gulf countries including Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. He will also visit Jordan after wrapping up his visit to the Gulf.
