Egypt shows an increase of German visitors figures of 10,5 % with 1,33 mio guests from Germany in 2010 and 14,2 mio guests worldwide, following a stable 1,2 million visitors from Germany in 2008 and 2009 as a share of the 12,5 up to 12,8 mio visitors worldwide in these years. Germany is one of the key markets for Egyptian tourism.

In comparison: In 1992, 356.178 visitors came from Germany, in 2003 the figures increased already up to 693.445 in order to score again up to 2007 and break the 1 million visitors figure with 1.085.930. 

The touristical masterplan envisions 25 million worldwide tourists per year until 2020. Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in Egypt, with a GDP share of 11,6 % and 12 % share of national employment. 

Influence factors 2010

Most important influence factors 2010 were b2b activities like roadshows for travel agencies, tour operator co marketing, a strong b2c advertising campaign as well as the permanent development of several areas of the touristic segment portfolio:

• Sun & sea, hotels on the Red Sea, at Sinai and on the White Med
• Culture
• Golf with the Egypt Golf Trophy which also starts in 2011
• Desert & eco tourism
• City trips
• Nile cruises
• MICE
• Wellness 

Activities for quality improvement and eco tourism

In terms of quality efforts, Egypt is a leading destination:

There are ongoing activities in the following areas:

• a quality campaign of CDWS (Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Watersports) in the area of diving base certification
• a quality check initiative in the hotels through international experts
• as well as campaigns in the areas of service education and eco initiatives, mostly in resort- and desert tourism.  

Outlook 2011

For 2011, Egypt expects after current incidents no increase, but a quick rebound of the tourism business and a year-end closing on the previous years’ level. Egypt faced a short-term decrease of tourism figures due to the current incidents. Hand in hand with tour operators and airlines who offer their Egypt programmes full-on again, the expectations are that there will be a fast compensation. At the moment, Egypt already registers fastly increasing bookings. 

Egypt is an unrivalled top summer and winter, thus all-season destination with an incomparable touristical variety. 

Egypt is a fascinating destination between tradition and modernity. Milleniums of culture and today’s trendy scene life, wonderful beaches on the Red Sea or in the Mediterranean, sports and water sports, golf on a high level, eco tourism and desert mysticism, oasis wonders and the lusciously green Nile Valley stand for this exceptional destination. An irresistible combination under the eternal sun for the best time of the year! 

In Egypt, there now is a unique uprise in the air, which has brought in huge sympathy around the globe.

The Egyptian people have done greatly in carrying through a peaceful and pro-democratic revolution within 18 days. That sympathy has already an effect on tourism – a lot of tourists want to visit Egypt now more than ever and have already booked their next trip. 

Egypt where it all begins – time for a new beginning  

Cairo/ Frankfurt, March 2011 – After moving times at the beginning ofthe year, Egypt is optimistic about a quick rebound of its tourism business and is looking forward to the pro-democratic change and the new era to go hand in hand with an upturn in tourism. 

In the course of the revolution, Egypt has been in the focus of worldwide media attention.

All around the world, people are now aware of the Egyptian people’s strong will which paves their way to a free democracy. This image of a nation re-inventing its identity adds another forward-looking feature to the image of Egypt as one of the most important and diverse destinations of the world.

Egypt has received a lot of positive feedback and support from all around the globe during recent times. The Tourism Department of the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Frankfurt/Germany also kept close contact to tourism professionals and holidaymakers, business partners, service providers and Egypt fans, who were touched by the change. Eventually, they all experienced this exciting time together and are now ready to start over into a promising future. 

The primary objective is to quickly get back to the  normal level of tourism, which goes hand in hand with a lot of optimistic positive energy. All travel warnings from the Department for Foreign Affairs for Egypt have been removed. Moreover, a lot of tour operators have announced to offer Egypt with full commitment as main destination. Most German tour operators and airlines fly since end of February/ beginning of March their full programme again. The Egyptian Tourism Ministry endeavours to quickly re-boost tourism. 

The political change in Egypt has challenged new communication technologies. This is why Egypt will increase its Social Media activities for communication.

Egypt will play an important role on the global and cultural world stage and is on its best way to sustainably install important reforms. 

The peaceful pro-democratic revolution has brought a fresh breeze to Egypt. Tourism officials will freshen up their marketing measures accordingly, focussing on an increased participation of international events and media-marketing-activities in cooperation with the tourism sector. In the tourism department of the Consulate General of Egypt in Germany, that means: All measures have been increased with immediate effect. 

Egypt has inspired the world. Out of this situation, the new slogan was created: 

Egypt where it all begins – time for a new beginning!