Since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak last February, protests have continued in the lead up to elections at the end of this month, however operators say in terms of tourism it’s business as usual, only with far less tourists.

 

The Innovative Travel Company’s business partner on the ground in Egypt Elhamy Elzayat said the main tourist spots are safe and clients should be taking advantage of special deals aimed at getting tourist numbers back up.

 

“As Egypt moves towards a new democracy not one single tourist has been harmed,” said Elzayat. “On the contrary those who have visited have reported a positive and enjoyable experience. Prices are discounted so currently there are some good savings for travellers, but it is anticipated they will increase quickly following the first parliamentary session and drafting of the constitution. Certainly after the election by June 30.”

 

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism recently announced that the number of tourist arrivals fell by 33 per cent in 2011 and it looks as if Kiwis have made up a small chunk of this number.

 

Tempo Holidays New Zealand general manager Greg Osborne said although operationally tourism is back to normal, Kiwis are still wary of travelling to Egypt.

 

“Numbers have fallen quite dramatically,” said Osborne. “Our sales numbers are down 60 per cent from the norm which in our view is understandable given the press but of the people who are travelling through Egypt with us, everyone says they are enjoying smaller crowds and that everything is running as smoothly and as calmly as it always has.”

 

Osborne said right now is a very rare quiet patch for Egypt, the perfect time for the tourist. 

 

“It can get very, very busy at this time of the year with hundreds of busloads of people just pouring into the sites. We’re not seeing that at the moment so it’s a really good time to be there.”

 

The Innovative Travel Company marketing manager Carol Wisker said all feedback they have received from clients who visited since the protests began have been positive.

 

“People come back saying ‘why did we worry?’, said Wisker. “Right now is a great time to be there since it’s not overrun with tourists. Kiwis hate queuing and we hate crowds.” 

 

Innovative has posted clients’ comments to their website for those concerned about their safety.

 

Operators expect to see a turnaround in tourism sometime this year. Just recently, the Ministry of Tourism authorised the commencement of long cruises from Cairo to Aswan in an effort to bolster tourism. An announcement will be made soon on which ships can operate this route.   

 

“The Egyptian Tourist Authority will definitely be stepping it up this year,” said Wisker. “We can’t wait to see some new and exciting initiatives that are going to help us to stimulate the market.” 

 

Osborne said Tempo will remain positive and excited about upcoming changes, both in politics and tourism.

 

“We’re optimistic that as Egypt changes, which is exciting in itself, it will only be a couple of years before it returns back to where it was,” said Osborne. “We’ve been operating there for years and know it’s very easy to steer clear of the downtown areas in Cairo and to anticipate the likelihood of any difficulties so people don’t need to worry.”

 

Elzayat said it’s highly likely Egypt will bounce back within the year.

 

“It is predicted that tourism will come back strongly in 2012,” he said. “Group bookings are increasing and regular events such as the annual Bike Rally from the Pyramids all the way to Cape Town took place only recently. The political changes that have happened were for Egypt to move forward towards a more democratic and less corrupt society.”

 

Innovative advised that elections of the Lower and Upper houses will be completed by the end of February. It is the first time since 1952 that Egypt will experience free and transparent elections, with participation exceeding 60 per cent compared with 8 per cent in the 2010 elections. Presidential Elections will take place next June and by then the Military Supreme Council will hand over its power and responsibilities to the elected President.