News

March 22, 2011: Update on Travel to Egypt

Slowly but surely after the 25th of January revolution life is getting back to normal.

Two days ago, the first transparent referendum took place in Egypt since almost 60 years. Egyptians had to vote “Yes” or “No” for amending certain articles in the constitution which will allow the election of a new Parliament & a new Senate within 6 months and a President for the Republic before the end of 2011.

This amendment will also limit the terms of presidency to 2 each for 4 years.

The new elected Parliament & Senate will nominate a Committee to draft a new constitution since the present 1971 constitution and its amendment will be considered void and null. There was an unprecedented number of Egyptians voting and the votes where 70% in favor & 30% against.

The very much feared Investigation Police was abolished and replaced by a New Department which will deal only with criminals & State security.

The Stock Exchange is reopening tomorrow; the Egyptian Pound did not lose much in value vis-à-vis to the foreign currencies.

All historical Monuments are now accessible to the public and some Nile Cruises started operation between Luxor & Aswan. The ban on travel to Egypt was removed from many countries to its many entries in Egypt and is on its way for total removal from the entire country.

Elhamy ElZayat, our chairman who was until 2005 the chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation has been appointed by the new Minister of Tourism as chairman of the same organization. In his capacity as chairman, he will be responsible to oversee the election of a new board for the Federation and its 5 chambers.

Mr. ElZayat will also set a vision mission statement and clear objectives for the Tourism industry for the next 10 years. It was announced that yesterday 57 charter flights have landed in Hurghada & 43 in Sharm El Sheikh. This is not yet the normal rate, yet it is a very good sign for the Travel Industry.