An Egyptian security source has revealed that security has been beafed up in the South Sinai Governorate and around its entry points. Security measures have also been tightened around the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where former president Hosni Mubarak and his family are residing.

The source, who declined to be named, told the DPA news agency that the improved security measures encompass the Mubaraks' resort.

"Following calls by angry demonstrators during the last 'Friday of Cleansing' in Tahrir Square, where they threatened that they could go to Sharm El-Sheikh to lay siege to the Mubaraks' palace, security measures have been stepped up in South Sinai and security measures have also been tightened around the city of Sharm El-Sheikh," the source said.

This comes amid warnings that such measures might have a negative impact on the movement of tourism in Sharm El-Sheikh, after a boom occurred with the arrival of groups, especially from Britain and Russia.

According to the security source, while tourism has begun to recover, it still stands at 50 per cent of its normal levels for this time of year.

“The security enhancements, which started at the beginning of this week, will have a bad effect on tourism, especially among the Europeans as they prefer complete freedom to move and act,” an owner of a hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh told DPA. "We fear that these increased security measures may affect the movement of tourism in Sharm el-Sheikh." He added.