The number of tourists visiting Egypt from England, Eastern Europe and Russia has increased by 20-25 percent compared to last year, said Amr el-Ezabi, head of the Tourism Activation Authority. In a press conference held two days ago following his meeting with heads of Egypt's tourism activation offices overseas, el-Ezabi warned that the impact of the international financial crisis can take many forms other than a decrease in the number of tourist arrivals. He added that the recent financial crisis in Greece has had an impact on Egypt. El-Ezabi remarked that there is no competition between the Egyptian and Israeli tourism markets. He projected that number of Israeli tourists to Egypt would decline in the second quarter of 2010, compared to the same period last year, despite an initial increase during the first quarter of this year. El-Ezabi emphasized the importance of the role played by tourism offices, the total number of which is 17. He added that the total amount of funds earmarked for tourism publicity is US$40 million. He further added that Egypt is currently facing intense competition with Turkey, after the latter has granted Russian tourists--who account for the largest share of arrivals into Egypt from any single country-- visa-free access. He also added that a publicity campaign will be launched to attract Arab tourists to spend the month of Ramadan in Egypt. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
