Reduced political tension in the Middle East has put the region’s ancient culture, architecture and languages back on travellers’ radars, according to latest booking trends.
In 2018, 50 percent more Aussie and Kiwi travellers will tick The Pyramids and the Nile River off their bucket list compared to last year, G Adventures has found.
The adventure tour operator said overall visitor numbers to Egypt have doubled over the last two years and are now sitting at seven percent higher than 2010’s record-breaking levels (before the country’s military coup).
Image: G Adventures
Renewed interest in Egypt has emerged for several reasons, including recent efforts by the country’s tourism leaders to simplify entry and ensure visitor safety through initiatives such as a new online visa application and a penalty on locals who harass outsiders.
G Adventures’ Regional Operations Manager for the Middle East and North Africa also believes interest in the region has emerged out of shifting perceptions over safety across the entire area.
Image: G Adventures
“When Egypt’s political state is stable, people feel safe travelling to this region, and adventure travellers tend to lead the way.”
Mohammed Fayed, G Adventures Regional Operations Manager for the Middle East & North Africa
In line with Egypt’s return to tourism bucket lists, the country’s neighbour Jordan is also making a travel comeback, with G Adventures predicting a 50 percent climb in visitor numbers to the Kingdom over the next 12 months.
Image: G Adventures
Catering to this growing interest in the Middle East, the tour operator said it has employed more local Chief Experience Officers (CEOs aka tour guides) in Jordan and Israel.
Additionally, the brand has added new itineraries across the region, including four stand-alone trips to Egypt, three in Jordan and several joint tours.
Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Adrian Piotto welcomed renewed confidence in the Middle East because as the cradle of modern civilisation, it has “so much to offer”.
- READ: Egypt launches e-visas for Aussie visitors
- READ: Egypt introduces pricey penalties for locals who harass tourists
- READ: Why don’t more people visit Jordan?