Egypt's Tourism is Recovering as Revolution a thing of the past

(Dive Travel Business News - September 30, 2011) -- The Egyptian revolution in January 2011 posed several challenges for the travel industry – evacuating tourists, accommodating media, protecting hotel property from protesters. The most difficult time came when tour operators grounded their planes, stifling the flow of tourists.

Interestingly enough what seemed to be a huge impediment to tourism created some interesting byproducts and opportunities, and a huge PR campaign for Egypt. In a land where history stretches practically to the dawn of time, the events created new historical sites for tourists. WIth all eyes on Egypt for that bleak and uncertain time in Egypt's history has made people want to experience Egypt - both the historical sites and the new version as the recent revolution made new history.

“In Egypt, they’re going to want to see the places where things happened,” said Ali Velshi, CNN Chief Business Correspondent, at a recent Africa Travel Association forum in New York. “They’re going to want to see Tahrir Square.”

Mohamed Hegazy, Tourism Attaché USA & Latin America at Egyptian Tourist Authority reports that there were 100,000 U.S. travelers to Egypt first half of 2011 despite the evacuation and travel advisories. Tourists started coming back in April and May, he said, and most of international flights now are operating regularly. Sightseeing is open and secure, and while Hegazy noted that demonstrations continue to occur in downtown Cairo, they are announced in advance.

Now, with tour operators are starting to come back, he said business is rapidly picking up. Buijs said that Egypt, for many Europeans, is like Florida because of its constant sunny weather and its proximity.

“There are no safety or security stories right now, especially where we are,” he said. “It looks quite promising again. But we hope the elections don’t give any bad surprises. It looks like the country will be a democracy. And it looks for the moment, quite good. Egypt will always work for tourism because it’s their biggest resource.”

In another sign of normalcy, Egypt recently hosted the United Nation’s World Tourism Day. The event promotes the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.

Marcio Favilla L. de Paula, Executive Director for External Relations and Partnerships at the United Nations World Tourism Organization, said it takes time for tourists as well as investors to believe in a country after a crisis.

“One way of addressing issues of perception is cooperation,” he said. “In some destinations, the private sector that is there – the tour operators, the hotels – work together even though in many cases they are competing.”

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