Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Hesham Zazou, asserted that the tourism in Egypt witnessed improvement during the last period. The number of tourists that visited Egypt in August increased by 14%; achieving $892 million incomes; compared to $786 million last year.
On the sidelines of celebrating World Tourism Day, Zazou s said the tourism achieved 23% rise, from January to July; compared to the same period last year; while it deceased by 15-20% compared to 2010, the peak year for tourism sector.
Zazou expected that the outcomes of opening Taba Heights Maritime port may reach EGP 1 billion to the treasury, moreover, 850 thousand tourists arrive in Egypt and contributing to promoting the joint trips between Egypt and Jordon; therefore Egypt becomes a touristic portal to Africa.
The minister mentioned that the Sharm Al Sheikh on October 9th will receive 4 flights every week after inaugurating new airline between Cairo and Istanbul,while Hurghada-Istanbul line will receive 3 flights in a week starting on October 13th. He expected these flights may contribute to reviving the Turkish tourism to Egypt; adding that the ministry aims at achieving $ 10 billion by the end of 2012.