Egyptian Tourism on Track to Receive Additional One Million Tourists in 2006
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Egypt is experiencing record-breaking growth in tourism numbers, achieving a total of 8.6 million visitors in 2005, and poised to welcome an additional 1 million in 2006, according to senior government figures at this year's Arabian Travel Market.
High visitor numbers from within the Middle East, in particular, have played a key role in helping the tourism industry achieve its rapid rate of growth.
Total inbound travel numbers to Egypt are set to grow by over 10 percent in 2006, while some Middle East markets are poised to expand by a staggering 40 percent this year.
"The Middle East alone accounted for about 20 percent of the nation's global tourism traffic last year, and we expect that number to increase by as much as 30 percent this year," said Ahmed El Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority.
"Middle Eastern tourists - and GCC visitors in particular - are a very important part of our tourism industry and are welcome guests in our country. For example, the number of travellers from the UAE increased by up to 40 percent growth this year, representing almost 74,000 tourist nights from January to March of this year," commented El Khadem, speaking at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
The industry is growing at such a rate that is seems set to break the 2005 record of 85 million tourist nights spent throughout the country's 170,000 hotel rooms.
A number of factors are contributing to the fast-paced growth of Egypt's tourism sector, which is valued at 11 percent of the total Egyptian economy, making it the second largest industry and the second largest employer. These include a range of exciting new attractions, in addition to the industry-wide shift to year-round tourism.
This move towards year-round tourism has built upon the nation's traditional historic, cultural attractions and sea-side resorts, adding a range of new attractions. These include world-class shopping facilities, entertainment and leisure venues, fully-integrated mixed use resorts and developments, modern and efficient airports, and superb spa and wellness facilities.
To improve transportation, Egyptian investors have recently launched two metered taxi-cab companies providing a clean comfortable, and air conditioned mode of transport utilizing brand new vehicles.
Furthermore, a number of initiatives designed to encourage more weekend breaks and family getaways are underway including many recent developments and projects blossoming around Cairo, Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, and much of the existing tourism infrastructure is in the process of renovation and enhancement to meet the needs of Arab travellers.
"For years our friends and neighbours throughout the Arab world have enjoyed the delights that our country offers, and now can enjoy the many advantages that Egypt provides to meet their specific and unique needs. Whether it is at our new airports or modern hotels and resorts, Arab visitors will find convenience and comfort at every step, from the time they get off the plane until the time they check into their room," El Khadem noted.
Comfort, convenience and ease-of-use are now the underlining themes of Egypt's tourism initiatives. The residential tourism market in particular has been stimulated by recent legislation to reduce bureaucracy and enable foreign nationals to own holiday homes with identical rights as those of Egyptians.
Part of Egypt's twenty-year vision looks to include major GCC construction and development groups including renowned groups out of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, in the creation of new resorts and facilities across the country.
These important initiatives are all being bolstered by an integrated marketing campaign, entitled "Nawart Masr" ("You Light Up Egypt"), designed to remind Middle East visitors of their emotional connection and long-lasting relationship with vivid, and lively Egypt.
"For Arab travellers, Egypt is a unique destination, providing emotional resonance, a wide range of attractions and deep natural beauty - it is the only country in the world which can offer so much to visitors from the Middle East," he concluded.
-Ends-
About Egypt Tourism Authority
For more information about the Egyptian Tourist Authority, please visit www.egypt.travel
For more information, please contact:
Wallis Marketing Consultants
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© Press Release 2006
