Travel News Europe - #76 - September 2007 - (Page 12)

I world destination EGYPT Egypt LAND OF THE PHARAOHS WELCOMES GROWING NUMBER OF VISITORS espite the terror attacks of the past few years Egypt continues to see a growth in tourism with 9.1 million arrivals in 2006. This upcoming autumn and winter seasons promises to see further growth, with Europeans heading to the country in search of winter sunshine. The Egyptian Tourist Authority takes part in around 108 tourist fairs each year and around 150 tourist events within Egypt. Across the Egyptian travel industry, continuing efforts are being made to develop new initiatives, new resorts and new attractions. Egypt presents the tourist with a blend of ancient and modern as well as the natural appeal of sunny weather and attractive beaches. But aside from pyramids and diving resorts Egypt also presents opportunities for cultural, religious, therapeutic, sports, safari and environmental tourism. Europe dominates Top Ten visitor chart 9.1 million tourists visited Egypt in 2006, a 5.5% increase over the 8.7 mil12 lion visitors of the previous year. These are strong results given that the global growth rate for tourism worldwide is 4.5%, according to the WTO. These tourists spent around 9 million tourist nights in Egypt and spent approximately €5.1 billion. Most of the visitors for 2006 came from Europe. England topped the chart, breaking the one million mark with 1,033,000 visitors. At third place was Germany with 966,000 visitors, a slight 1.4% decrease from 2005 when it held the top position. Italy ranked fourth, the same as the previous year, with 786,000. Also in the top ten was France with 372,000. The highest ranked non-European country was the USA, ranking 6th. The average stay lengthened slightly to 8.3 nights from 8.2 nights in 2005. Tourist revenues, meanwhile, amounted to over €5.5 billion for the year, an increase of 11.8% over 2005. New tourism initiative launched The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Information launched a five-year campaign this April, entitled, ‘Tourism is good for all of us’. The campaign is aimed at raising public awareness of the tourism industry and emphasizing its importance to the economy, especially with regard to job creation. “A million visitors to Egypt create 200,000 jobs,” said Ahmed el-Khadem, Chairman of Egyptian Tourist Authority. “The campaign will be staged through the media, public relations, market research and training for those who come into TRAVEL NEWS EUROPE September 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #76 - September 2007

Cover&Contents
NEWS
- INAUGURATION OF ITB ASIA
- INAUGURATION OF ITB ASIA TWICE DAILY
- WTM TO HOST SUMMIT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
INTERVIEW: Ziad Tantawy
DESTINATIONS: Egypt
BUSINESS
- Spas & Wellness
- Golf
- Exhibitions

Travel News Europe - #76 - September 2007