Egypt is ready to respond to the risks of the geographical and political situation due to the proximity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by providing financial support to those who supply tourists to the country of the pyramids. First of all, this concerns air transport, which brings 80% of tourists to the resorts. This is how you can interpret the detailed statement made in London at the WTM travel exhibition by the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Ahmed Issa.
It will be recalled that he announced a new subsidy option for carriers that deliver tourists to Sharm el-Sheikh. The subsidy was $500 for each flight.
In addition, the minister announced the continuation of the incentive program for flights to Egypt. According to its rules – and the program was announced as early as May 2022, airlines and tour operators-consolidators of transportation, depending on the resort of destination and loading on board, received payments of up to $ 1,500 for each flight. The program was supposed to be closed in October 2023, but it received a “second wind” and was extended for the winter season of 2023-2024. The support proved to be good – the number of flights to Egypt increased by 44% during the period of the program.
At the same time, the subsidy for Sharm el-Sheikh will operate separately. That is, you will be able to receive 2 thousand dollars for the arrival.
We will remind that the minister also confirmed that tourists are alarmed and cancellations have started. In general, according to him, 10% of cancellations from tours were recorded. At the same time, the general state of tourism does not cause alarm: as of the end of October, the number of foreign guests in the country increased by 7% compared to the same period last year. At the same time, Germany took first place with a 10% increase in the country.