Egypt's ruling military council has approved a decision to convert a military airport into a civilian airport, according to Tarek Saad, the chairman of the executive body of the national commission for tourism development. This decision to open Ras Banaas to civilian use was made to enhance the movement of tourists in Marsa Alam, where the airport is located, in the Red Sea governorate, said Tarek. Tourism investors in the Red Sea governorate praised the decision. They think the decision will encourage investors to pump new investments into the region and to double their efforts to develop the area as soon as possible. A member of the Marsa Alam investors' association, Ahmed Balbaa', said the decision pleased the tourism investors in the region, as the call will contribute to encouraging investors to pump more investments. He also said that this unique region has enormous potential for tourism development with its magnificent natural features, and it can compete with all other touristic regions. It is essential to have an airport in Marsa Alam to receive tourists, and those tourists will help in creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment in the region, said Balbaa'. He also said that the airport shifting must coincide with the investments execution, to make sure that the investors don't waste their money, and because the international codes obligates that the airport shouldn't be more than 100 kilometers far from the hotel.
