Political turmoil is doing little to deter travellers from seeing Egypt’s historical wonders, according to figures that show its tourism industry is bouncing back.
A total of 2.77 million tourists visited Egypt during the third quarter – an increase of 70 percent compared to the same quarter the prior year.
This brought the total number of visitors between January and September to around 7.27 million.
This is great news for the country and the tourism industry, which has suffered at the hands of political turmoil over the last three years.
Despite the rise, tourism numbers are still almost half the 14.7 million visitors in 2010. Tourism revenue is also down from $12.5 billion three years ago to $3 billion this year.
Egyptian officials say there’s still a way to go to rebuild the industry, but are hopeful growth will continue in the coming year, particularly as operators resume tours around the country.
Earlier this year, Travel Corporation announced its family of brands will recommence operations in Egypt for the 2014/15 season.
Starting in September, Contiki and Busabout recommenced trips while Trafalgar and Insight Vacations will return in January next year.
The company’s chief executive Brett Tollman said the group had been monitoring the situation and guest safety will remain of utmost importance.
“Recognising that Travel and Tourism have historically represented around 30 percent of Egypt’s GDP, it is so important that we as an industry show our support for this great country and proud peoples’ economic recovery at this time.”
Brett Tollman, Travel Corporation chief executive
Travel Corporation’s Uniworld is also returning to the country and will operate a 12-day Splendors of Egypt & The Nile cruise in October next year.
A&K is heading back to the Nile in 2015 with its Luxury Small Group Journeys.
The company’s director of media relations told Travel Pulse earlier this year that first quarter departures are already sold out.
Seabourn recommenced cruises in the country earlier this year, but as a safety precaution has provided its guests with armed guards and police escorts while visiting risky spots like Hurghada.
Australia’s Department of Tourism of Affairs and Trade continues to urge travellers against visiting Egypt, maintaining its ‘reconsider your need to travel’ advice.