SHARM EL-SHEIKH - Multi-national tourists brought Christmas joy to the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, flocking in large numbers to the beaches, streets and shopping malls. The beaches have attracted hundreds of cheerful tourists, who enjoyed yachting and diving sports near Ne'ma Bay, el-Qirsh Bay and the Coral Day, officials said, adding that the world-famed resort was almost full because of the Christmas and New Year seasons. Clusters of flickering lights, synthetic pine trees, fake snow and other Christmas favourites give a festive and commercial touch to the Sharm el-Sheikh, popularly known as the City of Peace. The owners of the city's souvenir shops, who expect to do a booming business during the week-long celebrations, have set up inflatable Santas and blow-up snowmen on the pavements to welcome potential buyers. The boom is having a major impact on the city's tourism-driven economy, officials said, adding that Sharm el-Sheikh has seen a significant influx of tourists, Arabs and Egyptians. For restaurants, business was great, they said, adding that huge quantities of Western, Oriental and Middle Eastern food had been consumed by the city visitors. With calm gradually returning to Sharm el-Sheikh after a spate of shark attacks, the resort town has again become a magnet for Christmas and New Year revellers and holidaymakers.
