Egypt gives top priority to Arabs

DUBAI - Arab tourism is given top priority due to the strong and intimate ties among Arab countries, common language, culture and customs and the fact that the Arab tourists stay longer and spend more in Egypt, according to Adel Abdel Aziz, Head of the Tourist Promotion Department at the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Fri 7 May 2004, 10:26 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:24 PM

Speaking at a Press conference organised yesterday at the Arab Tourism Market (ATM), Mr Adel Al Aziz said that Arab tourists who visit Egypt constitutes about 18 per cent of the total volume of tourist entering Egypt every year.

The Press conference was attended by Abdel-Aziz Dawod, Ambassador of Egypt to UAE, and Dr Safwat Hussein, Under-secretary of Ministry of Tourism in Egypt.

Mr Dawod stressed on the close and sincere relationship between the UAE and Egypt, noting that UAE is one of the major Arab countries investing in Egypt. He added that the tourist sector has registered a growth of 17 to 20 per cent following the previous ATM.

"More than six million tourists visited Egypt last year. About 1.3 million Arab tourists visited Egypt in 2003 and most of them came from AGCC states, Syria, Libya, Yemen, among others," he pointed out, adding that about 40 companies and hotels from Egypt are taking part in this yearâs ATM.

The revenues of the tourism sector in Egypt reached $4.6 million, Mr Abd Al Aziz explained, adding that the tourism sector in Egypt is firm, strong, and capable of overcoming international crisis.

"Egypt has become one of the most favourable destinations in the Middle East and tourism industry is substantially contributing in boosting the economy and creating new job vacancies," he observed.

Shedding light on the visa privileges, Mr Abd Al Aziz explained that a one-year renewable visa is offered for tourism, visiting, medical, and treatment purposes. "Citizens of Arab Gulf states, Syria, Jordan, and Libya can obtain entry visa at Egyptian airports, sea ports and boarders. Arab tourists dependants and servants are issued six month renewable visas at the points of arrival," he said, noting that a multiple one-year visa can also be obtained.

The Passport and Immigration Department of Ministry of Interior authorised the Egyptian embassies in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria to issue the citizens of these countries visit visas to Egypt valid for two months during the times of Umra, Islamic and Christian feasts without a security authorities prior consent.