SHORT HAUL: Egypt
Classic choice
EGYPT
The UK’s long and depressing winter has given a welcome boost to the warm and welcoming resorts and attractions of Egypt, says Julie Baxter
From left: Fantastic dive spots; Historic sites; Nile river cruising and El Gouna resort style
State Tourist Offi ce in London. She arrived at a challenging time for the country as its future took shape following the Arab Spring, the revolution and controversial elections. Now, a year on, the challenges remain but Husseini is optimistic and positive about tourism’s future, especially out of the UK market. Snow at Easter in the UK certainly helped! Brits desperate for some sunshine have long held North Africa as a fi rm favourite and the enforced extension of the winter sun season has helped boost sales – especially to Egypt’s Red Sea. Sharm El Sheikh tops the billing, with its perfect sand beaches and diving opportunities, and it is the clear waters and dives which are a key draw
J 64 May 2013
ust over a year ago Omayma El Husseini took up her position as the new Director of the Egypt
card at lively Hurghada and El Gouna, too. Makadi Bay is drawing families and Taba Heights ticks the right boxes for those seeking seclusion and the chance to combine Egypt with some sightseeing in Jordan or Israel. There have been some truly
unprecedented bargains up for grabs in resorts like Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada, where classic beach and poolside breaks have been popular, perhaps at the expense of more traditional touring itineraries taking in Cairo, the famous ancient sites and the iconic Nile cruising. Reduced room rates and pro-active
UK tour operators have helped ensure occupancy rates in these areas have increased for many hotels, and as the average length of stay in these resorts tends to be longer success here has helped counter a downturn elsewhere. In Sharm El Sheikh year-on-year
average occupancy was said to be up over 25% in 2012, with those at nearby Hurghada resorts up 15%. Hotels here have been actively building partnerships with UK operators to offer affordable, often all-inclusive offers for our sun-hungry market – and with some success.
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“Clients are regaining their confidence and we are finding that interest in classic Nile cruises and cruise-and-stay packages
is steadily growing” AKIN KOC, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ANATOLIAN SKY HOLIDAYS
Building on this the tourist offi ce
has worked to raise the profi le of Egypt’s spa and wellness range as well as cost-effective golfi ng opportunities. But long term, Egypt’s unique cultural assets will remain the cornerstone of tourism’s success. Anatolian Sky Holidays is among those that has reported a gradual increase in bookings and managing director Akin Koç says: “Egypt is a one-of-a-kind destination, with a history like no other. Many clients who had been keen to visit prior to the unrest have ended up delaying their trips rather than opting for other destinations such as nearby Morocco, simply because there is nowhere else like Egypt. Clients are regaining their
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