Egypt in Turmoil - Tips for Travel Professionals

(Dive Travel Business News - January 31, 2011) -- In the midst of Egypt’s peak tourist season, political unrest with demonstrations in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan and Suez are clearly upsetting tourism in that country.  The situation is in flux and news media reports have yet to comment on the impact on travelers to Egypt. As of this writing, the Egyptian Tourism Authority’s website makes no reference to the country's current problems. 

The U.S. State Department, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs are among the Foreign Ministries that have issued travel warnings urging citizens to postpone non-essential travel to Egypt.  However, with the cancelation of flights to Cairo and other cities by major airlines like Delta, Lufthansa  and Air Berlin, the Government imposed curfew, the absence of law enforcement and the disruption in the communication networks, foreign travelers in Egypt are faced with questions about their safety. 

The security aspect of the situation is worsened by the fact that four jails across Egypt have been attacked and thousands of criminals have been freed and are now roaming the streets as a result.  Hundreds of those who have gained their premature independence are Islamic militants and as such, may prove dangerous if confronted by an unsuspecting tourist.

The situation is fluid so travel professionals must show caution and due diligence in handling client arrangements to Egypt.  Travel professionals should also be cautious about relying only on the news media as a key source of information. If you are group leader, dive store owner or travel agent with clients either in Egypt or traveling to Egypt, here are some valuable tips:

1.  Many government Foreign Affairs Ministries have facilities in every country, including Egypt, where citizen travelers can register their in-country contact details.  This essential first step will make it easier for an Embassy to contact a citizen in the event of emergency or evacuation.  Foreign travelers in Egypt should also consult their Embassy website for updates on emergency operating hours and alerts.   U.S. citizens in Egypt, including those who are domiciled there, are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov.   By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

2. To establish which regions of Egypt remain relatively safe, and to establish the safety and whereabouts of clients already in the country, remain in close contact with your chosen tour operators regarding your client's situation and their travel arrangements to Egypt.  A big challenge for travel companies in trying to evaluate the situation is that the Egyptian government disconnected cell phone and Internet service in the country, making it necessary to communicate with contacts on the ground in Egypt via land lines.

3. Also stay on top of the travel advisories provided by your country’s state department or foreign office regarding the situation in Egypt..  Note: The U.S. State Department will begin arranging flights for U.S. Citizens to safe havens in Europe beginning January 31, 2011

4. Determine the coverage for your clients traveling in Egypt .  Determine the travel insurance coverage for clients booked for an upcoming trip to Egypt. Note that while some FIT's and groups are calling their travel professionals to cancel trips departing this week, some tour operators have already canceled upcoming tours departing for Egypt up to and including Feb 12, 2011. More cancelations may occur if the situation extends or worsens.

5. Airline schedules are in a state of confusion, especially in and out of Cairo. It is critical to stay in touch with your client's airline and/or tour operator about flights out of Egypt.  For travelers booked for a future trip to Egypt, determine whether it is possible to change or cancel client travel arrangements free of penalties.

6. If you are a tour operator, obtain updated and factual information on the status of your clients and programs from your ground operator in Egypt on a daily basis.  Ensure such information is shared with all your reservation staff. Pass client information on to travel professionals who are booking with you so that they in turn, can properly inform clients and their families.

7.  Security experts are concerned about the growing threat of terrorist attacks that can occur at anytime and anywhere.  Travelers are advised to remain alert, stay away from tourism sites and to abide the curfew hours.  In the worst case scenario travelers are advised to collectively barricade themselves into the safest/most secure location like a hotel room or residence and then ‘harden’ that location by locking doors and windows, securing entrances with heavy furniture and posting an adult to watch from a vantage point.  Travelers should also make sure to gather as much supplies as possible and ration the use of the food and water as they will not know how long they’ll be there,

8. Should the media contact you regarding your professional view of  travel to Egypt,  only provide information you are certain of. If you do talk to the media only do so in relation to your own clients and programs.

Additional Resources; http://www.worldfootprints.com/travelers-unrest-in-egypt

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