Gulf tourists to Egypt drop 42 per cent in June

Dalia Farouk, Monday 18 Jul 2011

Fears of insecurity have cut Gulf visits by almost half, slicing a vital source of summer revenue for the hospitality industry says a tourism development official

Nile Hotels
Gulf tourists prefer river side hotels in downtown Cairo. Number of tourists have deteriorated due to the security situation in Cairo.

The number of Gulf tourists visiting Egypt during the month of June declined 42 per cent year on year, according to figures provided by Sami Mahmoud, head of the international department at Egypt's Tourism Development Authority.

Tourists from the United Arab Emirates declined 50 per cent, those from Saudi Arabia 40 per cent, and Kuwaitis 39 per cent. 

Mahmoud explained that Gulf tourists traditionally chose hotels in downtown Cairo and current instability has affected their decision to visit the country. The months of June, July and August are considered the high season for Gulf tourism. 

Mahmoud indicated that European tourists, who are more inclined to cultural visits, have declined even more but did not provide recent figures.

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