$892 mln Tourism Sector Incomes In August: MOT

Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Hesham Zazou, asserted that the tourism in Egypt witnessed improvement during the last period. The number of tourists that visited Egypt in August increased by 14%; achieving $892 million incomes; compared to $786 million last year.
On the sidelines of celebrating World Tourism Day, Zazou s said the tourism achieved 23% rise, from January to July; compared to the same period last year; while it deceased by 15-20% compared to 2010, the peak year for tourism sector.
Zazou expected that the outcomes of opening Taba Heights Maritime port may reach EGP 1 billion to the treasury, moreover, 850 thousand tourists arrive in Egypt and contributing to promoting the joint trips between Egypt and Jordon; therefore Egypt becomes a touristic portal to Africa.
The minister mentioned that the Sharm Al Sheikh on October 9th will receive 4 flights every week after inaugurating new airline between Cairo and Istanbul,while Hurghada-Istanbul line will receive 3 flights in a week starting on October 13th. He expected these flights may contribute to reviving the Turkish tourism to Egypt; adding that the ministry aims at achieving $ 10 billion by the end of 2012.