The British Telegraph newspaper published a report naming Egypt as the best tourist destination to check out once the UK’s closure policy is lifted, thanks to its significant decrease in coronavirus infections.
The author of the report, titled “Empty pyramids and cut-price luxury hotels: Egypt is perfect for a post-lockdown escape” spoke of his own trip to Egypt and how welcomed he felt there.
He assured that Egypt has all precautionary and preventive measures well in place, and added that Egypt boasts many unique archaeological sites that aren’t crowded, alongside its luxurious hotels, sunny beaches, clear waters and stunning landscapes.
In an effort to revive Egypt’s struggling tourism industry, Egypt’s Aviation and Tourism ministers have launched the “Enjoy your Winter in Egypt” initiative, which includes flight and hotel discounts for local and foreign travelers.
The initiative came in accordance with recommendations of the Ministerial Committee for Tourism and Antiquities during a number of meetings in December 2020.
Starting January 15 and lasting until the end of February, domestic flight prices will be reduced to connect tourist cities within Egypt by organizing trips from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, and from Alexandria to Luxor and Aswan.
All COVID-19 precautionary measures and hygiene safety regulations in airports, museums, archaeological sites, restaurants, cafeterias, hotels and on tourist buses will be enforced.
Additionally, part of the initiative includes a 50 percent discount on entry tickets to archaeological sites and museums in Egypt’s Qena, Luxor, and Aswan governorates during the month of January and February.
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, tourism accounted for approximately 11.9 percent of Egypt’s economy. Since March, over 150 million travel and tourism jobs have been lost. In the Red Sea sector alone, experts have estimated a nine billion dollar loss since the pandemic began.
Since reopening in July, the country has reported an uptick in tourism, but levels remain nowhere near Egypt’s average.
Furthermore, lockdowns in countries such as the UK and Germany have further contributed to the slump, as Egypt receives thousands of tourists from these countries each year.
