The nations Minister of Tourism & Antiquities paved the way for a bright 2022 at World Travel Market 2021.
At World Travel Market 2021, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, gave Travel Bulletin a run-down on all things Egypt.
Regarding the past year, El-Enany explained: "Egypt had a very successful 2019, and then, all of a sudden, like the rest of the world, we had to lock down.
"We worked very hard to establish hygiene measures as thoroughly yet quickly as possible- which allowed us to restart tourism by July 2020. We're now in a very good position and very optimistic for our future."
Current measures include a mandatory negative test result or proof of full vaccination no less than 14 days before travel to be shown upon arrival. Over 400 hotels and accommodation offerings have conformed to strict health and safety regulation, including mandatory regular surface disinfection.
"Health regulations are a reality, and we must face it. The comprehensive measures have allowed us to safely and successfully double tourism in the last year."
Should guests test positive during their stay, costs of quarantine accommodation, medication, hospital fees and food and drink are all covered during their stay.
Looking ahead, the former professor of Egyptology explained: "We are working on new product that combines leisure and culture."
These include the recently-opened Sharm El-Sheikh museum, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. Looking ahead to 2022, El-Enany added: "Next year is a very special year, commemorating the most important discovery of recent history- the discovery of Tutunkhamun's tomb. We believe this is the most important archaeological discovery in history."
Along with national attractions, air carrier Egyptair has unveiled a new series of domestic connections which incentivise national exploration, including a new route between Luxor and Sharm El-Sheikh.
"Our main goal is to offer a complete product - showing our guests the best of the entire country, including Luxor and Sharm El-Sheikh- the beauty beyond Cairo. Egyptair's connections will certainly help us do this."
A number of new incentives hope to entice visitors to make Egypt a priority- including a 50% discount on landing and housing fees, a 20% discount on ground handling fees in airports, and a 50% discount on entry ticket prices to museums and archaeological sites in Qena. The latter applies in Luxor and Aswan from June to August each year.
The Minister of Tourism also announced details regarding ECO Egypt - the initiative spotlighting ecotourism experiences throughout the nation.
"We're bringing tourism guidelines into the mainstream- guiding action towards sustainability. We've introduced a number of green labels reflecting adherence to sustainability measures.
"Sustainability is an opportunity- not a threat. We have to preserve the beauty of our country for the next generation."
"The campaign launched two years ago, and it's much more than just an awareness campaign. Green tourism is no longer a luxury for guests. We want to protect local communities and workers- and, after lockdown, people are searching for natural areas with low density populations.
"We're highlighting the Red Sea and coastal areas- for their natural beauty and sustainable options."
With 30 protected natural spaces throughout the nation, amounting to around 15% of the country's landmass, natural escapes are set to come to the forefront of the nation's strategy in the years ahead.
Keep up to date with all live updates from World Travel Market 2021 with Travel Bulletin.
