Egypt has taken over the first passenger flight from China after a three-year hiatus caused by severe restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. On January 20, a solemn meeting of guests from the city of Chengdu was arranged at the international terminal of Cairo airport.
According to Egyptian media reports, the ceremony was attended by representatives of the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Civil Aviation of Egypt. Passengers received souvenirs, flowers, and sweets. The festive mood was created by the Egyptian folklore ensemble.
If on yesterday’s flight, there were only a few dozen passengers whose purpose was declared tourism, then shortly Egypt expects a sharp increase in the flow of tourists from China. China announced the lifting of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic on group tours from February 6 to several countries, including Egypt.
Egypt Air CEO Roshdi Zakaria said Egypt has received 1,200 requests from China to arrange travel to Egyptian tourist destinations. According to him, the national air carrier itself plans to fly to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou in March.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has prepared unique tourism programs for Chinese tourists, Deputy Minister Gada Shalabi said. According to her, all employees of hotel and tourist facilities in Egypt are vaccinated, and the staff has been trained by international health and safety standards.
Hotels in Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh most often serve as base points for Chinese travelers. They prefer to fill their vacation as much as possible with various excursions, including visits to antiquities in Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria.
A large tourist flow from China will undoubtedly affect the Ukrainian market of tours to Egypt. Competition can lead to an increase in the cost of living and a decrease in the number of available places in popular hotels in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.