Egyptian Minister of Tourism Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour said Egypt lost 80 percent of revenue during the last touristic season. The Jordanian market represented the largest number of tourists visiting Egypt, which is becoming the top tourist destination for Jordanian tourists. Abdel Nour said the problem of decreasing Arab tourists will only be resolved with joint Arab cooperation in an interview with Al-Dostour newspaper. He warning the year 2012 will inevitably create an economic crisis, which will require plans to override the gravity of what will happen. He added a benefit could arise out of the crises, which may help in achieving serious Arab partnership and development of a number of economic and touristic programs. As for the current situation in Egypt, Abdel Nour said the situation is good and stable and there is nothing to worry about since tourism is starting to recover after the Egyptian January 25 Revolution. Tourism agreements with Jordan are still in place, especially the marketing of joint programs. Jordan and Egypt have special tourism packages. "These programs are ongoing and we believe out of the current crisis, Egypt will foster a lasting partnership to increase the length of the stay of tourists from the region," Abdel Nour said. He stressed the joint programs between Jordan and Egypt should push towards a greater co-operation in building a commonality in new markets, particularly in South America, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, where many Arabs live. He considered it a main priority to promote travel packages allowing tourists to travel in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in one package.
