WTM LONDON 2016 – LONDON – REPORT: The Minister’s confidence in the revival of interest in Egypt from the UK was supported by YouGov consumer research which showed that the pressures of 2016 have meant that a third of UK people felt their holiday was too expensive in 2016, they were unhappy with exchange rates in their holiday destination (35%) and are keen to get more for their money in 2017.
WTM LONDON 2016 – LONDON – REPORT: The Egyptian Tourism Authority is predicting 2017 as a year of growth from the UK following the launch of a new flight between Heathrow and Luxor and consumer research showing a demand from British people looking for better value holidays in 2017.
The Egyptian Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Yehia Rashed, speaking at London’s World Travel Market said a tourism recovery strategy for Egypt was underway with major advertising and trade campaigns planned for the year ahead to raise awareness of the fact that Egypt is open for business. “More than 1.5 million British visitors came to Egypt in 2010” he said. “Last year it was 870,000 and this year we expect it will be down by 70% to fewer than 300,0000 visitors. But we are very confident that 2017 will be a year of growth. Egypt is open for business already with flights from Thomas Cook, Thomson, Easyjet and Egyptair every week. I personally believe it is just a matter of time before the UK government reviews the work and investment we’ve done in improving security in our airports and lifts the ban on flights to Sharm El Sheikh. The UK is now the only country in Europe with this ban. Germany and Belgium lifted it in May five months ago.”
The Minister’s confidence in the revival of interest in Egypt from the UK was supported by YouGov consumer research which showed that the pressures of 2016 have meant that a third of UK people felt their holiday was too expensive in 2016, they were unhappy with exchange rates in their holiday destination (35%) and are keen to get more for their money in 2017. More than a quarter of people said they would consider new destinations to get better value for money next year by visiting countries such as Greece, Egypt and Eastern Europe.
It is believed the floating of Egypt’s currency last week which has seen its value reduced by almost 50% against the US dollar, should go some way in helping to lift Egypt’s tourism numbers, one of the country’s most important foreign currency earners.
TheYouGov research also showed that ‘the ancient history’ and ‘must see’ sights (30%) and ‘experiencing the culture’ (20%) were reasons why people would consider going to Egypt on a holiday abroad next year. Nile cruises (13%) and winter sunshine (11%) were other reasons people would put Egypt on their list of potential holiday destinations.
TV presenter Michael Portillo who was speaking at World Travel Market concurred with the impact of ancient Egypt on visitor experiences “What has amazed me about Egypt is the antiquity of the civilization and how much of it is still here,” he said. “One is reminded that this extraordinary place, that was a bread-basket for the Mediterranean and for Europe was home to so many different civilisations. For me, my visits to Egypt are very present in my mind today. I would describe my visits to Egypt as being amongst the great travel experiences of my lifetime.”
The Egyptian government is working hard to bring ancient Egypt and the beaches of the Red Sea Riviera to the fore as part of its tourism recovery strategy.
At the end of last year, three new tombs were opened near Luxor. These tombs, in Qurnat Marey, are among the most important resting places for nobles of the New Kingdom period, which ended more than 3,000 years ago. The most significant tomb opened was that of Huy, Viceroy of Kush under the famed King Tutankhamun. Inside the tomb there are wall paintings depicting a great festival. The other two tombs are known as Tomb TT 277 of Amunemonet, a priest in the funerary temple of Amenhotep III, and Tomb TT 278 of Amunemhab, who was the keeper of the cattle belonging to the temple of the god Amun Re.
Mr Yehia Rashed said these newly reopened tombs had not yet been well visited by UK travellers, however the recent launch of Egyptair’s direct flights from Heathrow to Luxor would help bring more people to these incredible ancient sites.
In June 2016, the Egyptian Government also announced the reopening of the tombs of King Seti I in the Valley of the Kings and Queen Nefatari in the Valley of the Queen in Luxor. These precious ancient tombs had been closed for many years, with the number of visitors per day to be limited to around 100 to 150.
And last month, the Egyptian Government signed an agreement with Japan to fund the completion of the Grand Egyptian Museum close to the Pyramids in Cairo. This incredible museum is now slated to open by 2018 and its 117 acre site will have more than 100,000 artefacts many of which have never been displayed before.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
