Security to be key for Egypt tourism rebound in 2012

Reuters - 31 December 2011, 8:39 PM

CAIRO — Egypt expects tourism revenues to rebound by more than a third next year if the country’s security situation improves in the wake of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak in February and the subsequent political turmoil that sent tourists packing.

Tourism used to account for more than a tenth of Egypt’s gross domestic product before this year’s upheaval, and also employs an estimated one in eight in a country where high joblessness fuelled the anger that led to the uprisings.

“We can get back to the 2010 figures of $12.5 billion in terms of income and 14.7 million tourists in 2012 if perceptions change. And perceptions won’t change unless security prevails and calm is restored,” Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour told Reuters in an interview.

Security across the Arab world’s most populous nation worsened after the country’s police forces melted away from the streets in late January and after Mubarak’s ouster.

But the newly appointed government said it would tighten security measures and beef up police presence in the streets.

“The police are now much more present in Cairo’s streets,” said Abdel Nour, adding that security has always been good in the main tourist destinations across the country.

Tourism is a crucial source of much-needed foreign currency for Egypt, and analysts say the country’s most pressing problem is the slide in foreign reserves as tourism and export earnings suffer from the unrest and capital flees the country.

Reserves have tumbled from around $35 billion at the start of 2011 to about $20 billion by the end of November, and may in coming months reach levels where the central bank is no longer able to prevent sharp falls in the Egyptian pound.

‘Dust settling’

Tourism revenue in 2011 is expected to have tumbled by about a third to $9 billion with 10 million tourists visiting the country this year.

“Probably 90 per cent of those tourists, maybe more, were around the beaches... where life was absolutely normal,” Abdel Nour said.

“The dust is settling and the situation is calming down, and I think it will calm down completely once the electoral process is finished.”

For an industry that employs an estimated one in eight of Egypt’s workforce, tourism will be protected by politicians and government alike, Abdel Nour said. — 

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=business&xfile=data/business/2011/December/business_December578.xml

Egypt expects tourism rebound in 2012

Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, minister of tourism, expects tourism revenues to jump by more than a third if the country's security situation improves one year into the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak

Reuters, Friday 30 Dec 2011

Egypt can get back to the 2010 figures of $12.5 billion in terms of income and 14.7 million tourists in 2012 if perceptions change (Photo: Reuters)

Tourism used to account for more than a tenth of Egypt's gross domestic product (GDP) before this year's upheaval, and also employs an estimated one in eight in a country where high joblessness fuelled the anger that led to the uprisings.

"We can get back to the 2010 figures of $12.5 billion in terms of income and 14.7 million tourists in 2012 if perceptions change. And perceptions won't change unless security prevails and calm is restored," Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

Security across the Arab world's most populous nation worsened after the country's police forces melted away from the streets in late January and after Mubarak's ouster.

But the newly appointed government said it would tighten security measures and beef up police presence in the streets.

"The police are now much more present in Cairo's streets," said Abdel Nour, adding that security has always been good in the main tourist destinations across the country.

Tourism is a crucial source of much-needed foreign currency for Egypt, and analysts say the country's most pressing problem is the slide in foreign reserves as tourism and export earnings suffer from the unrest and capital flees the country.

Reserves have tumbled from around $35 billion at the start of 2011 to about $20 billion by the end of November, and may in coming months reach levels where the central bank is no longer able to prevent sharp falls in the Egyptian pound.

'DUST SETTLING'

Tourism revenue in 2011 is expected to have tumbled by about a third to $9 billion with 10 million tourists visiting the country this year.

"Probably 90 per cent of those tourists, maybe more, were around the beaches ... where life was absolutely normal," Abdel Nour said.

"The dust is settling and the situation is calming down, and I think it will calm down completely once the electoral process is finished."

Egypt's parliamentary election process, which began on 28 November and ends on 11 January, has been marred by a flare-up of clashes in Cairo between police and protesters demanding an immediate end to military rule. At least 17 people were killed in the protests in the latest wave of violence.
The army has promised a transition to civilian rule and a presidential poll in mid-2012.

Still, the strong lead held by Islamists in the parliamentary poll has aroused fears among liberals and others in Egypt that it could lead to rules that would ban alcohol sales and outlaw mixed bathing and bikinis in popular resorts.

For an industry that employs an estimated one in eight of Egypt's workforce, tourism will be protected by politicians and government alike, Abdel Nour said.

"I don't think that any responsible politician would venture and take a decision that would jeopardise a major sector of the economy," he said.

"Whatever government is in place, it cannot do without revenues of tourism, it cannot do without the job opportunities that are open in the touristic sector, and cannot do without the foreign exchange that is generated from this activity."

Egyptian unemployment stood at 11.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2011, based on official figures, but experts say that figure is misleadingly low because the number estimated as employed includes millions struggling in the informal sector.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/30557.aspx

Egypt Partners in ITB Berlin 2012

http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20111229082457

Grammar girl Gemma set for Egyptian adventure

Published on Thursday 29 December 2011 09:20

     An Antrim Grammar School has been selected to take part in a sporting conference in Cairo next month.

Year 13 pupil Gemma McAllister will travel to Egypt on January 29 as a member of the British Delegate Team, representing the British Council to take part in a PE and Sport Conference.
     The conference will take place over three days and during this time she will deliver a speech to the large conference party and work alongside twenty Egyptian ‘Young People Voices’ to provide a UK input.
     The conference is aimed at creating opportunities for Egyptian young people in sport, looking at the impact PE and Sport can have on a young person’s life and how young people can have an impact on other people’s lives through PE and Sport.
     Earlier this year, Gemma was chosen to be one of 11 UK Young Ambassadors for the London 2012 Olympics.
     Two people from the 11 UK Young Ambassadors were allowed to be put forward for the Egypt trip.
Gemma completed an extensive application form and was chosen by the Egyptian authorities to be the UK representative. She successfully competed against another representative from the Young Ambassador UK Steering Group for this amazing opportunity.
     Meanwhile, Antrim Grammar School has further cause to celebrate after the school’s application to become a London 2012 School was successful.
     This means the school now carries the London 2012 Educational Logo and received a London 2012 plaque, certificate and sign sticker as well as six tickets to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


http://www.antrimtimes.co.uk/sport/grammar_girl_gemma_set_for_egyptian_adventure_1_3371883

Candlelit vigil to promote tourism

By Hatem Khedr - The Egyptian Gazette
Tuesday, December 27, 2011 05:48:25 PM

CAIRO - Due to its significance as the iconic square where the January 25 Revolution erupted, an activist launched an initiative on Tuesday to simultaneously celebrate the New Year and promote tourism in the country.

---

   Somaia el-Ganaini has called on all Egyptian to celebrate the first minutes of the New Year by participating in candlelit vigils in Tahrir Square and other squares nationwide. 

   The purpose of this is to mourn the martyrs of the Arab Spring, who have died in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria.

   There will be a Christmas tree in Tahrir and in other squares, with photographs of the martyrs attached to each tree. Verses from the Holy Qur’an will be recited and hymns will be sung at the vigils.

   The activist, who emphasised that she doesn’t belong to any political trend, said that it was her patriotism that pushed her to think of a way to promote tourism which has been badly hit by the unrest in the wake of the revolution.

   “This initiative offers a peaceful and civilised message to the world, and I think it will help the tourism sector bounce back,” Somaia told the official Middle East News Agency (MENA), adding New Year celebrations are broadcast in every country.

   Somaia, who said that she has applied for the necessary licences for this event, said that the revolutionary forces and youth coalitions, including the Coalition of Revolution Youth, the Union of Revolution Youth, the April 6 Movement and the National Assembly for Change, have all been invited.

   “I don’t want politics to interfere, so as not to spoil the goodwill of this event,” she commented, adding that Egyptians of every sect are welcome to celebrate Egypt and the revolution on Saturday night.

   Somaia called on governmental institutes such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Authority to work together to ensure that her initiative will benefit tourism.

   According to a recent governmental report, tourism in Egypt was down almost 24 per cent for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.

   About 2.8 million tourists visited Egypt between July and September, down from 3.6 million during the same quarter in 2010, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics report.

   Not surprisingly, the unrest that has been ongoing since January had harmed tourism, the report added.

   Tourist arrivals from Western Europe fell the most, followed by those from the Middle East, dropping 33.1 per cent and 21.6 per cent, respectively.

http://213.158.162.45/~egyptian/index.php?action=news&id=22809&title=Candlelit%20vigil%20to%20promote%20tourism

Adventures by Disney continue to run their trips to Egypt

The Disney webpage has some great information and links about Egypt.



Adventures by Disney - Egypt from Lori Hardegree on Vimeo.

http://abd.disney.go.com/abd/en_US/destination?name=Egypt9NTTripTipsPage#guarantee

Video from early December of a large group from the US who toured Egypt and had a wonderful time.

Egypt Shares Rally Most in Month as Politicians Signal Unity

Dec. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Egyptian stocks advanced the most in almost four weeks after weekend protests against the military’s rule were peaceful and the bourse said competing political parties will open tomorrow’s trading session.

Citadel Capital SAE, a Cairo-based private equity firm, rose 2.7 percent. Orascom Construction Industries, the country’s largest publicly traded builder, climbed the most since Nov. 29. The benchmark EGX 30 Index jumped 1.9 percent, the biggest advance this month, to 3,683.66 at the 2:30 p.m. close in Cairo. In the Persian Gulf, Dubai’s DFM General Index slid to the lowest level in more than seven years. 

The Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, which tracks the largest 200 companies in the region, gained 0.2 percent.

“The fact that different political factions are joining hands to open the exchange tomorrow is giving a morale boost for investors that they will back up the stock market and the economy despite their differences,” Mohamed Radwan, head of international sales at Cairo-based Pharos Holding for Financial Investment, said by telephone.

Egyptian shares had dropped 7.8 percent amid five days of violence that began Dec. 16 as security forces tried to disperse protesters camped out in central Cairo for about a month. Moody’s Investors Service cut Egypt’s rating last week to B2, five levels below investment grade, citing the government’s deteriorating finances and the “unsettled political situation.”

United Open

The Egyptian Exchange said yesterday political parties including the affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Freedom and Justice Party and several secular parties would open tomorrow’s session.

Citadel rose to 2.68 Egyptian pounds, the biggest gain since Nov. 29. The Cairo-based private-equity firm said it will sign a $325 million agreement with Citigroup Inc. to refinance debt and fund expansion. Orascom climbed 2.5 percent to 201.86 pounds.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-25/egypt-shares-rally-most-in-month-as-politicians-signal-unity.html

Egypt's military rulers study plan to speed up vote

December 25, 2011

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's military rulers are studying a proposal from their own advisers to bring forward parliamentary elections by two weeks after demands from protesters and politicians to speed up transition to civilian rule, an advisory council member said on Sunday.

Many Egyptians believe the army is no longer fit to manage security on the ground and carry out difficult reforms at a time of political and economic crisis.

On Friday, thousands rallied in Cairo and other cities to demand the army give up power and to vent anger after 17 people were killed in recent protests where troops beat and clubbed women and men even as they lay on the ground.

Voting for the upper house, or Shura Assembly, is due to be held in three rounds beginning on January 29 and ending on March 5. It follows a similarly protracted vote for the lower house that began in November and is due to end in mid-January.

"The military council has agreed to study the option of shortening the election time for the Shura by two weeks, to end on February 22," Sherif Zahran, a member of a council advising the military on the transition to civilian rule told Reuters.

Zahran said the judiciary had agreed to the idea of squeezing Shura elections into two stages instead of three and that a plan to shorten the vote tallying process was being studied also.

"This would allow for both the (lower house of) parliament and Shura to convene in a joint meeting by the end of February," Zahran told Reuters.

Once parliament convenes, Egypt will draw up a constitution and a presidential vote is planned before the end of June.

Protests continue daily in Tahrir Square. Several hundred protesters have set up camp there. Some are demanding the army bring forward the presidential vote to as early as January 25, the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak.

Others, worrying that 10 months after Mubarak's downfall Egypt remains in disarray, protested on Friday to end protests so order can be restored and the economy revitalized.

A source close to the army said the military council, including leader Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, was meeting to decide on what was needed to speed up the Shura vote.

"Other changes will have to take place if this plan passes, such as how long the constitutional committee will take to draft the constitution," the source said, adding that Tantawi would first have to ratify any new voting timetable.

No one at the military council was available to comment.

Analysts say a speedy transfer could play into the hands of military by boosting the chances of presidential candidates with close ties to the army, including Amr Moussa.

Moussa, a former foreign minister and ex-head of the Arab League, said an earlier presidential was also being studied.

"Field Marshal Tantawi said presidential elections will be held no later than June 30. This means there is room for presidential elections to come sooner," Moussa, who is also a member of the advisory council, told Reuters on Sunday.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-votetre7bo0a7-20111225,0,7479201.story

Egyptian Tourism and Egypt Air see recovery in tourism

New Delhi, Dec 23, 2011 (ANI): In order to woo tourists travel to Egypt post the democratic movement and strategic elections in the process, Egypt Air has introduced five flights week to Cairo from Mumbai.

In the light of the political disturbance early this year and the safety concerns of the tourists, this is a major step taken by the Egypt Air and Egypt Tourism.
    Egypt Air has also announced that they have doubled its baggage allowance for its international and domestic passengers.
 With this, Egypt Air becomes one of the very few airlines in the world to allow two checked in bags free of charge on both its international and domestic sectors.
 This was announced by Medhat Nabil, General Manager Egypt Air and Adel EL Masry, Director, Egyptian Tourism Office in India, following the decision taken by the airline in Egypt.
 Commenting on the development, El Masy said, "The democratic political movement in the country was aimed at the development of the institutional framework of the state and a democratic society in Egypt. With the recent developments, the tourism sector is all set to revive back and things are coming back to stability. Egypt is receiving immense support from several nations who have partnered to improve the situation by lifting travel advisories against Egypt. With the increase in the fights per week Egyptair ensures that tourism is again gaining strength."
 "With election process going smoothly tourists perceive Egypt to be a safe destination. Tourists are visiting Egypt for the winter season. Recently in a statement issued by Tourism Minister Mr. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour and Mr. Adel El Masry Director Egypt Tourism Office India said that despite incidents in Cairo places like Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh are still doing well and it has not been affected at all. Abdel El nour clarified that, the areas of Red sea Riviera and the Sinai resorts such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, Quseir in addition to the Sinai resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Taba and Nuweiba Sector, Luxor, Aswan besides the oasis and the Safari deserts have maintained the regular influx of tourism inflow."
 Considering the recent political developments, the airline had lost its business considerably and cut down on the number of flights from five per week to three per week early this year.
 Now, it is believed that going back to the five flights a week will help Egypt Air attract more and more tourists from India.
 The baggage allowance increase will help people from all over the world travel to Egypt.
 Attracting tourist needs a strategy which includes a combination of factors like frequent airline connectivity both domestic and international, reasonable air fare, and benefits for the travelers which EgyptAir is assertively taking into consideration to increase tourist traffic in places such as Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh, Alexandria, Aswan which had suffered a slowdown during the democratic movement. 

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/256075

IOETI holds E-tourism & E-marketing Conference in Cairo - December 18 & 19, 2011

IOETI (International Organization for the Electronic Tourism Industry) is holding its 4th Annual E-Tourism & E-Marketing Conference in the city of Cairo, Egypt. (While protests are going on about six miles away in Tahrir Square.)

http://ioeti.org/2011_ioeti_conference/index.php

Global Tourist Arrivals in Egypt to Grow Stupendously

Noida, UP -- 12/18/2011


Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange earnings for Egypt, a leading Middle-East country in terms of tourist arrivals. Underpinned by the country’s promotional activities and its strategic location, the Egyptian tourism industry has expanded at a rapid rate in the past few years. According to “Egypt Tourism Sector Analysis”, the new research report by RNCOS, the international tourist arrivals are anticipated to continue to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period (2011-2014).

Research Analysis and Highlights

An in-depth research and rational analysis of the current size and future prospects of the Egyptian tourism industry have been provided in the 50-page report by RNCOS. The report provides forecasts on international tourist arrivals, international tourist receipts, international tourist departures, and international tourist expenditures for 2011-2014.

The report also presents an analysis of accommodation facilities and aviation industry which provides a strategic insight to clients for evaluating the opportunities prevailing in the Egyptian tourism industry. Some of the key highlights of the report are:

- Russia, Germany, the UK, and Italy account for a large number of visitors in Egypt. Altogether, Europe accounted for over 75% of the total tourists who visited Egypt in 2010.
- Increasing disposable income levels are likely to open up several opportunities for both outbound and domestic tourism in Egypt. It is expected that per head disposable income in the country is likely to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during 2011-2014.
- Egypt is eyeing around 13 Million tourists by 2014-end. To achieve this target, the country needs to invest heavily in the infrastructure. This represents a huge opportunity for construction and manufacturing sectors, and other related industries.
- Per head expenditure by outbound tourists in Egypt is projected to increase by about 16% in 2014 from 2010.
- Political unrest hampered the growth of the tourism industry. It has led to the economic losses of over U$1 Billion.


http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-119013.htm

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office has not advised against travel to the Egyptian capital.

Despite a fresh wave of violence in Cairo over the weekend, which left 10 protesters dead and hundreds injured, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not advised against travel to the Egyptian capital.



However, it has warned holidaymakers to expect further clashes in Cairo particularly, as well as other cities such as Alexandria.


Security forces raided Tahrir Square after protesters, frustrated by the apparent lack of change since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, took to the iconic location once again.

Clashes: Violence erupted in Cairo as riot police tried to bring anti-government protesters under control

Police have been criticised for their heavy-handed dealings with protesters after shocking images of violence against men and women emerged over the weekend.


But the FCO insisted there were still no travel restrictions to the country.


But as a warning to British travellers, it stated: 'There remains the possibility of further demonstrations elsewhere in Cairo as well as other cities in Egypt, including Alexandria.'

 

British nationals are advised to avoid all gatherings and crowds and to carry identification on them at all times.

'The situation can change rapidly and we recommend that you follow events on local and international news and seek advice from tour operators,' advised an update on the FCO website.


Most of the trouble in Cairo has occurred around Tahrir Square, where the protesters have based themselves, but police have moved on many who had occupied the square over the weekend.


The FCO said: 'Tahrir Square in Cairo is open to traffic, although some protesters still occupy the central square area.


'The road leading to the Ministry of Interior remains closed to traffic and Qar al Aini is currently blocked near Tahrir Square.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2076078/Egypt-violence-FCO-warns-travellers-expect-clashes-Cairo-Alexandria.html#ixzz1gzOskIZK

Holiday season looking gloomy for Egypt's tourism sector

Published December 15th, 2011 - 09:45 GMT via SyndiGate.info

As Christmas and New Year’s time approaches, hotels in the Red Sea and even Cairo, usually bustling with tourists around the holiday season, are expecting occupancy rates to be almost 50 percent of what they were last year.

“The occupancy rate at the moment is drawing between 20 to 25 percent. We expect it to grow up to 60 percent during Christmas and New Year’s,” said Saad Hossam El Din, head of reservations at Grand Hyatt in Sharm El-Sheikh, one of the most popular Red Sea destinations.
The tourism sector has been hit hard since Egypt’s January uprising toppled president Hosni Mubarak, and the upcoming weeks may help recoup some losses. However, as bookings go so far, it might not be much of a boost. Last year at Christmas, Sharm El-Sheikh’s Grand Hyatt saw more than 80 percent occupancy, according to Hossam El Din.

Sol Y Mar, a prominent resort in the city of Hurghada, which is just 80 kilometers from Sharm El-Sheikh, also expects to see low numbers. “We are more of a business hotel, meaning we deal more with corporate executives coming to visit the area. We usually expect to see almost 100 percent during Christmas or New Year’s, but this year we are at about 60 or 70 percent. It is a very low turnout this year,” Mahmoud Farghaly, reservations agent at Sol Y Mar, told Daily News Egypt.

These months, however, with elections taking place over several stages and after the November’s violent clashes, the festive season is looking gloomy.

“Christmas and New Year’s will be very unlucky in Egypt this year,” said Moataz Sedky, deputy director of tourism at Travco Travel. “We believe today everything is on pause because of elections. People want to know if there will be violence so everyone postponed their plans and ideas for choosing their holiday destination,” he added.

The company, which owns and operates about 22 Nile cruise ships and is used to having full occupancy around this season, is currently only operating nine ships. “Mostly all bookings are old. We don’t have any new bookings, the new bookings are very minor and they are all last minute bookings received through our webpage,” Sedky told DNE. Cultural tourism, which includes such cruise tours and mainly attracts visitors from Europe, has taken a dive this season, Sedky said.

Tourism bookings for the company’s operations in the Red Sea have also plummeted this season and due to elections, they will not be getting any better.

“The Red Sea is mainly dependent on charter flights from European cities, English visitors, for example rank as number one tourists coming to the Red Sea, especially for Travco Group’s hotels. They usually fly first to Sharm El-Sheikh with a frequency of about 60 flights per week,” said Sedky. “This year, there are about 30 flights a week from the British market.”

British clients wish to increase their volume up to at least 50 flights, but they are monitoring the political and security situation carefully, he added.

Travco Group currently owns about 48 hotels and resorts across Egypt. Around the holiday season last year, the company recorded high revenues with full occupancy rates. “Last year around this time, it was a booming,” said Sedky, but this year the game plan has changed.

“Most of the people staying in the Red Sea often like to visit Cairo by land, but we postponed these trips around this time to avoid any problems that might take place in the elections,” said Sedky.

Similarly, Dalia Maged, head of ticket sales at Shahin Tours in Cairo, told DNE that due to the violent clashes that began in mid-November, just before the elections, many clients traveling to Cairo cancelled their flights.

“Many of the people coming to Cairo for Christmas or New Year’s have also cancelled their flights due to last month’s events,” she told DNE. “Flights to Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh or Aswan, however, are still booked, but overall we saw about a 75 percent decrease in flight bookings.”

Flights bookings for Egyptians traveling outside of Egypt have been unaffected, Maged said. Despite Travco’s sales hit, Sedky said they were “luckier” than most. “We have strong assets, strong hotels and we are dealing with major international hotel operators. We also belong to the Germany company, World of Tui so we have not suffered as others in the industry,” said Sedky.

Travco has been offering special deals to cope with the recent economic turmoil. “Right now, we are seeing more short-term clients from Romania or Serbia who are making last minute bookings and taking advantage of the offers we have, but these are not our regular clients,” said Sedky. “Our regular clients are mainly from Britain, Germany, or Russia.”

Sedky also said it helps that Sharm El-Sheikh, and the Red Sea in general, were never cities where European countries issued travel bans, unlike Cairo. "Russia banned the Red Sea for a short period a few months even after the revolution, but there were talks with our country’s prime minister at the time and he convinced them to remove it. Germany and England, however, did not ban any parts of the Red Sea," he added.

This year, Egypt expects to earn about $9 billion from tourism, down by a third on a year earlier. Last year, the country collected $12.5 billion in tourism revenues, Hisham Zaazou, senior assistant to the tourism minister, told Reuters. “We started the year with a drop of 80 percent, then it got better through the year,” Zaazou was quoted in Reuters saying. “We expect around 30 to 35 percent less revenue than last year, which means it is going to be around $3.5 billion to $4 billion less, so we are speaking about a figure around $9 billion,” he added. Like many in the tourism sector, Sedky hopes that the outlook for business and tourism in Egypt will change after the elections and as the security situation stabilizes.

When asked about his expectations for the parliament, for which the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi Al-Nour Party are leaders in the elections, Sedky said whoever is in power cannot risk harming the vital tourism revenues. “It is not about a change in policies that the Muslim Brotherhood or Al-Nour will impose,” he said. “I believe the problem is with the media, it seems that they are not very professional in handling such issues, and statements that goes abroad creates panic and worry.”

Anniversary festival to boost tourism


By Mohamed Salah Attia - The Egyptian Gazette
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:57:07 PM

CAIRO - Minister of Tourism Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour on Tuesday announced the nation's plan for a spectacular celebration to mark the first anniversary of the January 25 revolution.

 

---

   He said the Ministry will organise the celebration to bolster tourism and mark a major political event that has won the world's full admiration and respect.

   Abdel Nour said that the event is expected to attract thousands of tourists and intense media interest. 

   "The Ministry pins high hopes on the celebration attracting more tourists and boosting tourism," he said during an inspection tour of renovation work at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square.

   The Tourism Minister added that thousands of tourists are expected in Egypt during next month's celebrations, which will be covered by foreign reporters and media people.

   The celebration is part of the Ministry's plan  to diversify tourist attractions, use the country's resources and lure tourists from various countries during January, the Minister explained, adding that the hotel will open in the first quarter of 2013.

   Apart from promoting the traditional historic sites, the Ministry will launch the festival to boost tourism, which is a main source of foreign currency for the country, in 'secure Egypt' after the recent revolution.

   He said that Egypt has long been a prime destination for Arab tourists, especially those from the Gulf states. In a bid to avert a slump in its lucrative tourist industry, Minister Abdel Nour said that the festival aims to lure visitors with the promise of concerts, folkloric shows and displays by artists.

   "Egypt is trying to attract tourists to the banks of the Nile in January," he said.

   The festival, marking the first anniversary of the revolution , is being organised by the Ministry, backed by heavy advertising, the Minister explained. "It seeks to promote the Egyptian experience in the region and beyond," Abdel Nour stressed, adding that several hotels are offering special packages.

   He said that advertising spots will be aired on Arab and Western satellite channels, pointing out the January 25 revolution Festival is of vital importance to the State's coffers. 

Egypt tour guides, vendors debate bikini, booze ban

Agence France-Presse December 14, 2011 7:47 AM

     CAIRO - At the foot of the ancient Pyramids, tour guides and vendors are divided over the effects an Islamist-dominated parliament might have on the lucrative tourist industry.
     Egyptians are voting Wednesday in the second-phase of three-round parliamentary elections - the first since president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February - that Islamic parties are expected to win hands down.
     Much of the buzz has been sparked by calls from the ultra-conservative Salafists, standing under the banner of the Al-Nur party, for tourism that is "halal," a reference to that which is allowed in Islam.
Alcohol, bikinis and mixed bathing would be banned.
     "A five-star hotel with no alcohol, a beach for women - sisters - separated from men in a bay where the two sides can enjoy a vacation for a week without sins," influential cleric Yasser Burhami was quoted by The Arabist website as recommending on Sunday.
     "The tourist doesn't have to swim with a bikini and harm our youth."
     Speaking on Saturday, Al-Nur party spokesman Nader Bakkar told the Egyptian satellite channel CBC on Saturday "we do not want to ban tourism. On the contrary, we want revenue from tourism to multiply."
     Imed, a 30-year-old who offers camel rides outside the pyramids, is far from the beaches, where alcohol and bikinis are still permitted, but is already suffering from a plunge in tourism that followed Mubarak's ouster.
     Desperately waiting for the tourists to return, he is adamant that an Islamist victory at the polls would doom an industry that accounts for around 10 percent of GDP.
     "This Islamists would make us lose our livelihoods," said Imed, dressed in a black, traditional Egyptian galabiyah and speaking from behind sunglasses.
      "That's why we're going to vote for the Egyptian Bloc and Wafd (two secular and liberal groups) because it's tourism that feeds us."
     Nearby, Ibrahim Harbi Mohammed listens to the chanting of verses from the Koran, the Muslim holy book, in his dark and dusty shop, empty of tourists.
      He says a distinction needs to be made between the Salafists and Al-Nur, which was formed only six months ago, and the 80-year-old Muslim Brotherhood and its Freedom and Justice party (FJP).
     "The real problem is the Salafists; they are too radical," Mohammed says. "They weren't seen for 30 years and then, all of a sudden they appear and want to ban tourism?"
Just down the street, in the square that leads to the pyramids, huge banners are flying, and those of Al-Nur are the most imposing.
     On Friday, around 1,000 people working in the tourism sector demonstrated against "halal tourism."
     But while the debate over halal tourism continues, other issues are raised.
     Tahan, 39, sells jewelry and speaks of Egypt's history and beauty, "which we want to share with tourists" but is concerned about security. She says she will vote for the FJP because it will make the streets safe again.
     Mohammed, speaking in his shop next door, echoes that.
     "Because of the insecurity, tourists are always escorted. They march from the buses to the pyramids and don't take the time to have a look at the shops along the way.
     But, as he speaks, a few small groups of tourists are having a look at plastic pyramids and keffiyehs (head scarves) labelled, "Made in China."

Pharoh Exchange


Luxor Temple

By Jeremy Gates, Yorkshire Post
Published on Monday 12 December 2011 00:00


Tour operators and travel agents selling holidays in Egypt are stressing that renewed protests in Tahrir Square, Cairo, should not deter travellers from visiting other areas.

While the Foreign & Commonwealth Office is advising travellers to avoid the square and nearby parts of Cairo, it has no travel warning for the rest of the country.

Yet the number of visitors to Egypt in the second quarter of 2011 showed a massive plunge: some 2.2 million against 3.5 million in the same period of 2010. And large discounts are beginning to appear on holidays there on either side of the festive season....

Peter Kearns, managing director of Red Sea Holidays [stated] “The disturbances themselves are confined mainly to Cairo’s downtown area and Tahrir Square which, of course, should be avoided. But Cairo is a huge city and most tourist areas remain completely unaffected.”

“Far from deterring travel to Egypt, sales continue to come in.”

At rival operator Discover Egypt, Philip Breckner says: “We have not been using hotels in central Cairo for some time, and we house our clients in the outer areas of Giza and Heliopolis. Our tours are operating normally, though we take security advice on a daily basis.”

Longwood Holidays’ Alan Meadows says: “Confidence for Luxor has been returning in the last month, but with Cairo in the news like it is, bookings can be affected for other areas. But Egypt does bounce back quickly."

Egypt's Islamists try to calm fears over tourism  2:48PM GMT 11 Dec 2011

Egypt's main Islamist parties on Sunday launched separate conferences aimed at promoting tourism as they scrambled to allay fears that the lucrative industry is under threat from religious conservatism. 

The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) – the political arm of the influential Muslim Brotherhood – announced a conference in Cairo entitled "Let's encourage tourism" that brought together industry leaders and party members.

Meanwhile, Al-Nur, the ultraconservative party representing followers of the fundamentalist Salafi brand of Islam, said it was launching a conference to promote the industry in the Egyptian southern city of Aswan.

About 15 million holidaymakers visited the country last year, attracted by its Pharaonic sites and Red Sea beach resorts. The industry is a key money earner and source of foreign currency.

Islamist parties won a crushing victory in the first stage of parliamentary elections which wrapped up last week, leading to fears they might impose strict Islamic law that could scare off Western holidaymakers.

Some Islamist candidates or religious scholars have advocated destroying ancient monuments – seen as a form of idol worshipping – and bans on alcohol, mixed-sex beaches, gambling and even bikinis.

On the Facebook page of the Muslim Brotherhood on Sunday, Supreme Guide Mohammed Badie was shown shaking hands with foreign visitors as he toured the historic city of Luxor.

Al-Nur, which has come second in the polls with more than 20 per cent of votes so far, said their conference would bring together representatives from tourism chambers, hotels and tour operators "in a bid to support the industry." "We do not want to ban tourism. On the contrary, we want revenue from tourism to multiply," spokesman Nader Bakkar told the Egyptian satellite channel CBC on Saturday.

But he also spoke in favour of segregation of the sexes on beaches. "The Al-Nur party does not want to ban beach tourism. But we do want to see a type of Halal tourism ... such as segregation of beaches," Bakkar said.

The tourism sector was virtually paralysed during 18 days of protests that toppled Mubarak in January and February, and has been struggling to recover since.

Following years of crackdowns under Mubarak, Islamists have since the revolt become increasingly open about their ambitions for an Islamic state, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of hotels and beaches.

About a thousand employees in the sector demonstrated last Friday to draw attention to their difficulties and the anti-tourist declarations of some Islamists.

The industry is estimated to support about a tenth of the active population.

Egypt makes Budget Travel's Top 10 Destinations in 2012

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Most travel organizations have named their top 10 destinations for 2012. Here's Budget Travel's recommendations, which include regions hard hit by the economy offering huge bargains:

Azores -- the chain of volanic islands off the coast of Lisbon. Heavily discounted to draw tourists. Five-star hotels running $112/night.

Egypt -- Political unrest has struck a blow on tourism, which accounts for 11 percent of economy. U.S. travel warnings have been downgraded to "alert for sporadic unrest." Average hotel bill: $107/night.
San Diego -- One of America's top 10 most visited cities. Hotels averaging $128/night.

Maritime, Canada -- Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland. Halifax was once again named by Hotels.com as Canada's cheapest city. Hotels average $145/night.

Belize -- This English-speaking country is cheaper than its more popular Latin American neighbors of Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica, but offers the same tropical beauty and Mayan ruins.

San Antonio -- Is undergoing a $358 million expansion/improvement of its popular River Walk, and in June added 8 miles of walking/biking trails along the San Antonio River. Prices are down; four-star hotels average $100/night.

Poland -- Undergoing a hotel-building boom and other expansions in this growing economy. Hotels in Warsaw average $135/night.

Taipei -- First mainland Chinese tourists arrived in June and Southeast Asia is enjoying a boost of visitors from elsewhere. Culinary scene is exploding. Hotels: $144/night.

Kansas City, Mo. -- This also made Frommer's list: It's becoming a hotbed of culture. Rooms $137/night.

Athens -- Poor economy, great deals. Hotels $125/night.

Message from a foreigner living in Egypt on 12/10/11

     "Firstly, it's not as bad as it might look on the TV! It has quietened down again now, even though elections are still going on in certain areas of Egypt over the next few weeks. 

     As of today, Tahrir Square is being opened up to traffic again. Right now, the area is safe and tourists still go for a walk around the now infamous square! 

     Egypt relies so much on tourist money so they would not want to scare people away. 

     Obviously the situation could change at any time over the next two months so keep yourself updated, a website called ask-aladdin.com - especially their hints and tips section. 

     I really hope you enjoy yourselves."

US Senator Kerry meets with Egypt’s Brotherhood and military chief in visit

By Associated Press, Updated: Saturday, December 10, 4:19 PM

CAIRO — U.S. Sen. John Kerry met with members of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group set to dominate the new parliament, as well as the country’s military ruler and prime minister on Saturday.
The Muslim Brotherhood said in a statement three of its top officials attended the meeting with Kerry, who was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Anne W. PattersonnShare

In their meeting with the Democratic senator from Massachusetts, Brotherhood officials vowed to respect civil rights and international treaties that have been signed in the past, possibly an attempt to allay fears that the group may try to re-examine Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel.

The Brotherhood, which was banned under ousted President Hosni Mubarak, has so far won about 47 percent of the vote for the lower house of parliament. Two-thirds of the country have yet to vote in the staggered process that finishes in January, but the outcome is not expected to dramatically change.

Kerry, who is also chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was among the first U.S. politicians to call on Mubarak to step down earlier this year during the massive protests that led to his ouster in February after nearly 30 years in power.

Kerry told the Brotherhood’s members on Saturday that he was not surprised by their success in parliamentary elections, according to a statement by the group.

The elections in Egypt are the first since Mubarak was ousted and are considered Egypt’s fairest and freest vote in years.

Egypt depends heavily on foreign assistance and cannot afford to dramatically change its foreign policy.

Egypt is one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, with a large percentage of that going to the military.

Kerry also met separately with Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who has been ruling the country since Mubarak was toppled.

The U.S. Senator last visited Egypt in July, when he praised the changes taking place in the country.

Egypt to see 10.5 million tourists by end of 2011: Tourism minister

Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour says the forthcoming Christmas season will bring 1.5 million further visitors, taking annual revenues to $9.5billion, roughly 25 per cent less than the year before

Dalia Farouk, Ahram Online, Saturday 10 Dec 2011

Egypt will see a total of 10.5 million tourist visits by the end of 2011, bringing in a total $9.5 billion in revenue, according to the country's tourism minister.

The statistics -- which show a quarterly drop on last year's revenue -- were cited by Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour in an interview with Ahram's Arabic gate.

 

Abdel-Nour said that Egypt had already seen an 9 million tourists in the year to the end of November and will host a further 1.5 million this month, with Christmas and New Year traditionally being one of the busiest seasons.

 

Egypt's once lucrative tourism industry, which brought in US$12.5 billion last year, has been rocked by uncertainty since January's uprising. 

 

The country saw 14.8 million tourists in 2010, in visits that generated around 12.5 per cent of Egypt's GDP, Abdel Nour said in a recent TV interview.

 

Tourism has made a partial come-back in the large Red Sea resorts, such as Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, but is slower in Cairo and in the heritage sites of Luxor and Aswan, authorities say.

 

Visitor figures were down 45.7 per cent in the first quarter from a year earlier and 35.4 per cent in the second quarter. 

 

Abdel-Nour said the year-end figures represented a strong 'achievement' given Egypt's political turmoil and string of violent confrontations; the most recent of which happened just two weeks ago, with pitched battles between protesters and riot police on Cairo's central Mohamed Mahmoud street.

 

The ministry of tourism is planning a package of new measures to help the industry emerge from its crisis, Abdel-Nour said.

 

These include new overseas promotional campaigns for Egyptian tourism, diversifying the sector away from cultural and beach tourism, and supporting new charter flights to five airports: Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan and Marsa Alam.

 

Abdel Nour said in a recent TV interview that it was difficult to predict how the tourism sector will perform in 2012 given the ongoing parliamentary elections, later presidential elections and the potential of both to stir further demonstrations and conflict.

The Egyptian Government pledged to pay more attention to restoring security in the street as well as achieving economic development in rural areas.

The Egyptian Gazette - December 10, 2011

Egypt PM: Gov’t for more development
By Ashraf Sadek - The Egyptian Gazette

CAIRO - The Government pledged to pay more attention to restoring security in the street as well as achieving economic development in  rural areas.


         Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri, whose national salvation government assumed its full responsibilities on Wednesday, told reporters that the State aimed at "reducing the gap between urban and rural areas" as well as easing the costs of living.
         "Stalled development projects in rural areas should move forward in parallel with efforts to restore security," el-Ganzouri said, referring to soaring violence and crime rates since the January 25 revolution.
         He said that his Cabinet would work on developing  rural areas so they could attract investments and employees.
         "In this regard, the Government has set up two ad-hoc commissions. The first  will deal with security, whereas the second will focus on the implementation of stalled development projects," el-Ganzouri said.He added that a committee had also been formed to draw up plans for economic improvement and  a second panel would be responsible for the revolution victims' families.
         "These two committees will submit their initial reports by the end of this month,"  el-Ganzouri said, adding that his Government would work for all Egyptians regardless of their political affiliations.
         "It is true that a minority rejects my Cabinet, but the majority supports it and wants it to fulfill its national duties," el-Ganzouri said.
He called on the nation's youth to stop protesting and look after Egypt's interests and welfare.
         "The Government is able to disperse a  protest in 15 minutes, but I will not allow this to happen."
          He said that the Government had been assigned to take on a wide array of tasks aimed at  controlling prices, overcoming unemployment, helping the victims of the revolution and their families, developing the State's infrastructure and removing any obstacles impeding the growth of investments.
          In addition to implementing public utility projects, the Government would work on  maintaining the stability of  food prices and basic commodities, el-Ganzouri said.
        The Army rulers issued a decree on Wednesday handing presidential powers to Prime Minister el-Ganzouri, but kept control of military affairs and the judiciary.
        It appointed el-Ganzouri after the former Cabinet of Essam Sharaf resigned last month during clashes between police and protesters demanding that the Army step aside. El-Ganzouri said he was granted broader powers than his predecessor.

Tour guides make sure travelers are safe!

It’s lonely amid the Pyramids

From Anders Meanders on the Ins and Outs of Travel (Austin, Texas)

By Helen Anders | Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 09:18 AM

I know five people who just got back from a trip to Egypt — which means I probably know most of the tourists who’ve been in Cairo recently. News reports from the BBC indicate that the city’s hotel rooms that are occupied right now are largely occupied by journalists.


My friends, a family from California, had promised this trip to their high school senior daughter, so they took it despite the hang-wringing of their friends over the political turmoil.


They’re back home. The report: They had the restaurants to themselves. They had the camels to themselves. They had the Pyramids to themselves. Their tour guide carried an automatic rifle.


They had a blast.

COMMENTS

By egypt

December 6, 2011 12:15 PM

Tour guides in Egypt carried machine guns prior to the uprising too. I’m not surprised there aren’t more people there. Would you go to a country that has no government for vacation? I’m sure they got some good deals too.

By egypt too

December 6, 2011 12:37 PM 

I want to double up on the first egypt’s post, I’ve been to Egypt several times too and groups are always escorted by an armed police/military/security person. Pointing this out in the blog makes it sound like an unusually dangerous time when this is routine and has been going on for decades.

     By Helen Anders

     December 6, 2011 2:01 PM 

     Egypt, too — Thanks for that info. I’ve never been to Egypt, and neither had my friends, so they    
     didn’t know that machines guns are plain ol’ everyday accessories for tour guides.

By egypt too

December 6, 2011 4:08 PM 

It is odd at first, but so common in those countries it’s no big deal. On one trip, the tour guide mentioned it was done in part as a job creation mechanism since (according to him) the armed guards were required by their Government for tourists. In some ways it’s comforting to see all the guns as opposed to Texas where they all have to be concealed (that’s somewhere in between a joke and not a joke). 

 

Ramses Hilton initiative to promote Tourism

http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/ramses-hilton-initiative-promote-tourism-403970

 In attempt to promote tourism and bring it back to Egypt, Ramses Hilton has created a positive initiative to encourage Hilton International team members to visit Egypt and support their colleagues, to start this campaign the blue energy team consisting of Managers and Team Members developed a promotional program to visit some touristic areas in Cairo and started the campaign by visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx and took some pictures for dissemination through a social network among the team members of all Hilton Worldwide. This campaign was well received among a large number of Hilton Team Members around the world.

Recent videos of tourists in Egypt in late November

Cairo on 11/29/11

Egypt assures safe & secure travel to its tourists

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Egypt-assures-a-safe-and-secure-travel-to-its-tourists/5302171952

December 1, 2011

India Infoline News Service / 15:59 , Dec 01, 2011 Egyptians will concentrate on achieving the Revolution’s goal & aspirations of democracy, dignity & welfare, through the ballots. Egypt has assured safety of its tourists following the recent incidents in the country. Tourism is safe and all set to rest the concern for security of tourists in the country post democratic political movements.  In response to latest events in Cairo, Mr. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, The Minister of Tourism Egypt said that “The latest incidents in Cairo did not affect Egypt’s prime destination of the Red Sea, Southern Sinai & Upper Egypt. Our historical & natural sites are functioning normally” Mr. Abdel Nour added “We are confident that the upcoming start of the electoral process in Egypt will put an end to such manifestation; as Egyptians will concentrate on achieving the Revolution’s goal & aspirations of democracy, dignity & welfare, through the ballots.” Abdel El nour clarified that, the areas of Red sea Riviera & the Sinai resorts such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, Quseir in addition to the Sinai resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Taba & Nuweiba Sector , Luxor, Aswan besides the oasis & the Safari deserts have maintained the regular influx of tourism inflow. Honorable minister has urged all involved parties to continue exerting efforts to support the excellent co-operation between Egypt & its travel partners. Talking about recovery in tourism sector in Egypt Mr. Adel El Masry Director Egypt Tourism Office said, “We regret the loss of innocent people during the recent clash in Egypt. Egypt faced a lot of political unrest in the country and as the situation has stabilized now, there is revival in tourism and the tourist inflow has started increasing. As director of Egypt Tourism Office in India we have our efforts focused to make Egypt a safe & secure destination for travelers....Tourism contributes to Egypt’s economy in a big way. Therefore it is critical that the tourism offices the world over gear up to address the concerns of prospective travelers to the country.”

Virtual Tourist

Here is a link to a website that gives advice to travelers. These two threads include responses to travellers heading to Egypt in the next few months:

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-581369-1-1-Travel-0-0-Cairo-discussion.html#questionID_581369

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-580949-1-1-Travel-0-0-Cairo-discussion.html#answerID_3929474