Egypt makes fresh play for UK tourists
The Egyptian State Tourist Authority is to launch a new UK campaign to capitalise on renewed and growing interest in the destination.
With summer over and travellers on the hunt for winter sun bargains, it is the optimum period for Egypt to remind travellers of its year-round, summer-like conditions.
UK visitation to Egypt rose by more than 25 per cent in the first six months of 2017, though from a low base following years of political unrest.
“Immersion in unparalleled history has of course always been at the core of our brand, but Egypt is also a sun-drenched oasis twelve months of the year,” said Amr El Ezabi, director UK & Ireland for the Egyptian State Tourist Authority.
“Few places can offer such a harmonious combination of ancient history and modern luxury.”
Airlines including easyJet, Thomas Cook and Tui still operate regular flights from most British cities to popular holiday spots across Egypt.
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All three fly to the city of Hurghada, while airlift to the up-and-coming Marsa Alam resort town is about to increase with Thomas Cook launching flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham this side of Christmas, joining the current Tui service from London Gatwick.
Egypt also recently renewed calls for the UK government to lift its ban on British flights to the tourist resort of Sharm El Sheikh.
With Brexit likely to cause a weakened British pound for some time, Egypt could offer outstanding value and was named the second most price-competitive destination in the world in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017.
With a recent ONS report showing Brits are abandoning fortnightly holidays for week-long, mid-haul destinations instead, year-round destinations such as Egypt have an opportunity to fill those demands.
“There are destinations that claim to offer winter sun but actually just offer weather that allows you to wear shorts in the colder months,” continued Ezabi.
“Egypt offers actual beach weather even in the middle of winter and all less than six hours away from the UK.”
Comprising an outdoor campaign and digital channels with a PR and media hosting programme by Rooster PR, the new campaign will be unveiled at the start of 2018.
It will primarily showcase the beachfront city of Hurghada with its bustling markets, buzzing nightlife and glamorous, yacht-lined marinas alongside world-class resorts, restaurants and boutiques.