Egypt sees 2.3% boost in Saudi tourist arrivals

 Wahashtona campaign

Egypt sees 2.3% boost in Saudi tourist arrivals

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and the Egyptian Tourism Authority have announced a comparative increase in the number tourists from Saudi Arabia in the month of June. About 34,426 tourists visited Egypt from the Kingdom in June 2013. This June saw 35,210 visitors from the Kingdom constituting a 2.3 percent increase. 

Much of the increase in tourist numbers from the Kingdom and from across the region has been attributed to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and the Egyptian Tourism Authority’s Wahashtona campaign. The campaign was created to boost tourism to Egypt from Arab markets and includes competitive packages and special offers targeting tourists from across the GCC. 

The increased tourism rates to Egypt’s touristic destinations include the South Sinai and Red Sea governorates that are home to Egypt’s top two destinations — Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Combined, both destinations accounted for 76 percent of tourists visiting the country in June 2014, with visitors attracted to their temperate climate, golden beaches, diving and sea sports, as well as leisure and recreation activities. 

This June also recorded increased tourism to other destinations, including Cairo, Aswan and Alexandria. Cairo saw 11 percent increase in visitors, while Aswan and Alexandria recorded 18 percent and 24 percent increases in inbound tourism respectively. 

Tourism numbers are expected to continue to increase as a result of Wahashtona’s competitive offers — which start from $400 (including airline ticket and three-night residency) — and the nation’s continued stability and security.

@http://www.arabnews.com/news/economy/614921