![](https://amayei.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2019/12/Hurghada-airport-celebrates-Christmas-by-distributing-gifts-to-tourists.jpg)
Egypt has seen a significant increase in reservations within hotels and tourist villages, coinciding with the approaching celebrations of Christmas and New Year, while the Tourism Ministry has set guidelines for holding parties.
In Luxor, the Chamber of Tourism and Travel announced an over 80 percent increase in hotel occupancy rates, with the tourism sector preparing for the Christmas holidays.
The President of the Chamber Tharwat Ajami explained that the archaeological areas are seeing heavy demand via direct flights from various markets or through one-day trips coming from Hurghada.
American tourists are at the forefront of the coming groups, he added.
Officials at Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports began preparations to receive arrivals of tourists, as decorations, lights, and Christmas trees began being set up.
Celebrations varied in hotels and tourist villages, with facades and entrances decorated with models of Santa Claus, while festive lights were placed and gifts were prepared to be distributed to guests amid high occupancy rates.
Tourism and Civil Protection Police officials alongside hotel and tourist village officials warned against setting up any marquees or camps for celebrations without obtaining licenses beforehand, while adhering to the conditions of civil protection – especially the approval of civil defense.
The occupancy rates of floating and fixed hotels in Aswan increased to more than 80 percent, following rising tourist demand during the winter season.
Tourists flock to Aswan for the warm weather, scenic natural views, and to visit its archaeological and tourist attractions.