Egypt is concerned over the recent outflow of Russian and British tourists – about 70 percent of its total visitors. If they don't return, it would seriously harm Egypt's economy, as the tourist industry generates more than 11 percent of the country's GDP. According to RT, the forecast comes from the Adviser to the Minister of Tourism, Mohamed Yousef, who said that losing those tourists would be "a severe blow" to the industry. "Russian tourists are ranked first with 3 million tourists per year. British – 1 million," Yousef said according to Al Ahram newspaper. "Their leaving is a severe blow for the industry. The loss will be 70 percent of the tourist influx." Such a scenario could see Egypt's GDP plummet, as tourism makes up 11.3 percent of GDP, while also providing for about 14 percent in the country's revenue in foreign currencies, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Yousef's statement comes during a rush of foreign countries suspending flights to and from Egypt in wake of the Russian plane crash in Sinai that killed all 224 people onboard.
