Political Tensions Disappoint Tourism Sector During Xmas Holidays

“Disappointment” is the word, by which the tourism sectors described the Christmas season and the New Year, due to the low inbound tourism in Egypt. The tourism sector is depending on these two occasions, specifically in Luxor and Aswan to compensate the losses took place in the last period, especially after the violence incidents erupted when the constitutional declaration issued last November.

Some experts of the tourism sector affirmed that 50% of Christmas reservations were cancelled by reason of the instability, violence incidents and protests that took place in Cairo.

Hossam Elshaer, Chairman of Egypt Travel Agents Association (ETAA), said the winter tourism season and Christmas holidays are very important for the tourism sector. He elaborated that the hotels in Sharm Al Sheikh and Hurghada witnessed recession after the revolution, and the occupancy rates decreased to 50%, while the occupancy rates in Luxor and Aswan don’t exceed 10%.