Political disruptions and acts of terror won’t stop Australian from following through with Africa and Egypt travel plans this year, according to a local tourism operator.
Over the last three years, Egypt’s tourism sector has suffered at the hands of political turmoil.
Then this year, growing African destinations including Kenya and Tunisia were struck by acts of terror, which prompted government agencies around the world to advise their citizens against travel to the destinations.
Image: Bench International
However, African tour specialist, Bench International told KarryOn that the start of 2015 has brought ‘new lease’ to the entire continent, particularly Egypt.
General Manager Martin Edwards said consumer confidence to the region is ‘consistently growing’ and enquiries to destinations like Egypt are up compared to the drop off towards the end of 2014.
“Thankfully Ebola seems to be under control in West Africa and is much less of a talking point in the media, which has certainly helped consumer confidence for travel to Africa. It has not just been enquiries for safaris, but in particular there has been a bounce back in enquiries for Egypt.”
Martin Edwards, Bench International General Manager
He explained that while Bench has continually sent passengers to Egypt since the Revolution of 2011, there has been a real turnaround in interest.
The most popular Egyptian itinerary for the company is the ‘Treasures of the Nile, Small Group Tour’, which includes a four-night cruise on the River Nile.
Aussie confidence is climbing for travel in Egypt and Africa.
The cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan on the luxurious Amarco II cruise boat.
Guests to Egypt also spend a couple of nights in Cairo, either side of their Nile cruise where they often they opt for the first two nights to be in Giza and then ending their stay in Downtown Cairo.
Image: Bench International
Although tension in Egypt has simmered since 2010, Mr Edwards said guest safety remains a priority for the company in any of its African destinations.
This is evident in the company’s careful choice of ground operators and continual security presence.
“Guests are locally escorted throughout their stay in Egypt and have the continual security of an experienced guide who has 24-hour contact with their head office so that they are fully informed at all times, avoiding any, very contained areas that might be seen as a risk.”
Martin Edwards, Bench International General Manager
“Egypt represents a safe country for holidaymakers but for peace of mind hotels are safeguarded by Tourism Police, on site and there are of course security measures in place. We are entirely confident that our guests will not only be safe but very well and personally looked after until they arrive safely back in Australia.”
When it comes to outside of Egypt, Mr Edwards says Aussies are looking for new African destinations to explore including both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Image: Bench International
He said they are not only home to one of the Seven natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, but also some of the best game viewing and walking safari experiences on offer.
South Africa of course is one of the fastest growing African destination for Aussies, which Mr Edwards says has been assisted by direct flights from South African Airways and Qantas as well as ‘an exceptional job’ by South African Tourism at promoting the destination.