Skyscanner.net’s CEO Gareth Williams comments on recent troubles in Egypt: “Overall searches to Egypt are down by 30%. Despite claims that Red Sea tourist resorts remain unaffected by the current troubles, we’ve seen searches to Sharm fall by almost 40%, which isn’t surprising – it is unlikely anyone would actively choose to holiday in a resort where there are tanks on the streets, as is now the case in Sharm, even if it is a precautionary measure. The FCO has said that Sharm El Sheikh is currently calm but also point out that the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly. With this in mind and Australia and America advising citizens against all travel to Egypt, it’s understandable British holidaymakers may be concerned.

“The long term impact on the tourism industry in Egypt could be huge. Although we would expect people to postpone or cancel any plans to holiday in Egypt over the coming months, searches for the summer months are actually the worst hit, with searches to Sharm el Sheikh down by over 60%, and this downward trend could continue even if the situation is resolved quickly. Searches to Tunisia, which was also recently affected by political unrest, are still feeling the impact, despite the fact that the FCO is not longer advising against travel to the country.”