208.000 Saudi Tourists Visit Egypt in 2013

The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) officially and recently released the country’s tourism figures for 2013, reporting 208 thousand Saudi tourists visited Egypt in 2013, compared to 242 thousand in 2012; and 83 thousand Kuwaiti tourists visited in 2013, compared to 96 thousand in 2012.

Egyptian Minister of Tourism Hisham Zaazou said: “Over the past three years, and since the 25th of January Revolution, Egypt attracted more than 30 million tourists – with over 20% visiting from the Arab world – further reinforcing Egypt’s position as a prime tourist destination in the Arab world and globally. Despite the decrease in the number of tourists in 2013, which amounted to a fall of just under 18% when compared with 2012, we continue to maintain Egypt’s position as a safe tourist destination.  Regardless of the current challenges that Egypt faces, it is still considered the destination of choice for many Arab and foreign tourists.”

The Egyptian minister added: “The tourism figures for 2013, where we saw a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Egypt in the first half of the year as well as a strong recovery at the end of the year, reflect the confidence tourists have around the world in Egypt’s political and security situation. Additionally, the statistics from Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada show vital indicators, as they highlight the continued influx of tourists to these two destinations, regardless of political circumstances – emphasizing the tourists’ belief in both locations’ security and safety.”