Skip to main content

Egypt Strives to Revive Tourism Sector

With Egypt’s most vital economic sector, tourism, at record lows since revolution, the new government is launching a number of initiatives to attract tourists.
Camel guides drink tea as they wait for customers at the Pyramids Plateau in Giza Pyramids, on the outskirts of Cairo August 26, 2013. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal (EGYPT - Tags: SOCIETY TRAVEL ANIMALS) - RTX12XEU
Read in 

The crisis affecting tourism in Egypt, a sector on which the economy heavily relies, has been worsening by the day since the January 25 Revolution. At every sign of recovery, tourism relapses again due to the fall of two regimes in just over two years and the subsequent tenuous security situation, in addition to the declaration of a state of emergency and the imposition of a curfew.

The Egyptian government is trying to restore Egypt’s position on the international tourism map through the execution of an emergency plan. The Ministries of Tourism, Antiquities, Civil Aviation, Foreign Affairs, Local Development and Communication are taking part in this multi-sector plan, which will be comprised of hosting night-time events for international tourism companies in the most important touristic regions of Luxor and Aswan, in addition to opening sites to the public that were previously inaccessible. Day trips will also be launched and airfare will be reduced to promote the provinces of the Red Sea and South Sinai, deemed safe touristic destinations. Neither has been affected by the developments Cairo is currently witnessing.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.