NEWS — HOT STORIES 2
Egypt’s planned changes to visa rules confuse trade
Juliet Dennis
Planned changes to Egypt’s visa system have caused confusion in the trade. New regulations are expected
on May 15 as part of a security crackdown to deter terrorists from travelling to the country. The UK office of the Egyptian
State Tourist Office said talks were ongoing, with exact details due at the end of this week.
But Egypt ministry of tourism
spokeswoman Rasha Azaizi said anyone booking a trip independently, and not being met by a ground-handling agent, would need a visa in advance. Holidaymakers booking through
an operator will not be affected, but it was unclear whether tourists who book flight-only or accommodation-only through an agent would continue to be able to obtain a visa upon arrival. “These changes will just apply to independent travellers,” said Azaizi. “Those people handled by an operator or local ground-handler will not be affected: they need to be met by a ground-handler because that’s who will get the
visas for them at the airport.” She was adamant there would be no major impact for trade business from the UK. Andy Tomlinson, director of Sutton Travel in Sutton Coldfield, said more travellers could be encouraged to book via the trade. He said: “It could work in favour
of operators and agents. But it is still up in the air in terms of who needs it [a visa in advance]. “I was worried about DIY packages we put together ourselves, but our clients are met on arrival by a ground-handler.” Discover Egypt
director Philip Breckner said: “As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t affect our customers, but it is confusing.” Visas are not required for UK visitors travelling to the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba for up to 15 days, and there was no indication this would change. ❯ Letters, page 28
3
Forex agents’ sales surge as pound rockets to €1.41
Rebekah Commane
Travel agencies are benefiting considerably from the strength of the pound against the euro, which reached a seven-year high this month. Some of the largest retailers reported a significant uptake in
foreign exchange sales as the pound climbed to a peak of €1.41. John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel, said the strength of the pound had been “absolutely fabulous” for sales. “It’s been brilliant,” he said. “Our most recent figures for the Hays
stores show a 70% like-for-like increase in currency sales for February. “Our Bath stores were up 150% last month, although that isn’t like-for-like [six foreign exchange bureaux were opened in Bath stores last year after Hays purchased the brand]. “The increase for the whole group was 115%, so
we’re thrilled.” Hays added that euro sales had been the most
significant contributor towards the growth. Thomas Cook’s retail stores have also enjoyed a
notable increase in currency sales. The retailer’s total number of euro transactions was
up 38% from February 27 to March 12, compared with the same period last year, while the volume of euros purchased rose 65% to £31 million over the same period.
Fraser Millar, head of FE strategy and development at Thomas
Cook, said some customers were buying currency before booking holidays to ensure they got the good exchange rates. “The gains in spending power mean that even those who have
already booked package holidays at rates set in advance are expected to see significant benefits when it comes to buying their foreign currency,” he added. A Thomson spokesperson said its stores had “seen a rise in demand for foreign exchange sales, particularly euros, compared with last year”.
26 March 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 5
“The new
visa rule could work in favour of operators and agents”
PICTURES: ISTOCK
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