Britons beware: Egypt has its eye on us. No, they are not looking at us as a potential enemy to have to be reckoned with. Rather, the Egyptian tourism industry has its eyes focused on increasing the number of arrivals from Britain in the coming years. The Ministry of Tourism hopes to soon eclipse the 1 million UK visitor mark, perhaps as early as next year.
Egypt's plans were recently revealed at the World Travel Market (WTM) exposition held in London. The annual WTM is the second-largest travel show in Europe after Germany's Internationale Tourismus-Börse; it is also considered one of the most important shows in the world. Egyptian tourism officials certainly respect the WTM, as evidenced by the gradual expansion of their booth space over the last several years.
According to official numbers, some 850,000 Britons visited Egypt last year. Visitors stayed an average of eight nights, spending approximately £70 per night on accommodation. Of course, additional money is spent on meals, sightseeing tours, shopping, and various travel luxuries. Even estimating on the low side of £150 per day in total spending, it is easy to see how much money British tourism adds to the Egyptian economy.
The desire to increase British arrivals is underscored by the fact that the total tourism numbers in Egypt are down. Just 9.5 million total visitors arrived in Egypt last year, down roughly 2 million from the year before. Tourism officials believe an important part of their recovery is to focus heavily on Britain. Expect to see some very good deals offered by British tour operators throughout the winter and into next spring.
A Great Destination
Egypt is indeed a great destination for travellers looking to temporarily escape the dreary British winter. If you go, you will undoubtedly want to see the biggest attraction in the country: the Giza Necropolis. This historic site on the outskirts of Cairo is home to the Great Pyramids complex, the Great Sphinx, a number of important cemeteries, and dozens of other historically significant structures.
Along the Mediterranean and Red Sea, Egypt offers mile after mile of glorious beachfront. Along those beaches are luxury resorts catering to those with means, as well as budget resorts more affordable for the average consumer. Regardless of your income level, there is a resort you and your family will find enjoyable.
Some analysts suggest British tourists have been reluctant to visit Egypt in recent years due to the political unrest. However, as Ministry of Tourism officials explained at the WTM, most of the problems resulting from the unrest on now past. Egypt has once again settled in and returned to a lovely and peaceful destination for travellers.
If you are interested in travelling to Egypt, it is a good idea to work with an experienced tour operator who can help you find the best deals on everything from hotels to air travel. And of course, do not forget to insure your holiday plans. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Sources:
- Daily News Egypt – http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/11/04/tourism-ministry-aims-1-million-british-tourists-years-end-official/
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