TUI insists Sharm-el-Sheikh is safe as Egypt protests escalate.
Leading tour operator TUI has insisted visitors to Sharm-el-Sheikh remain safe despite political unrest sweeping Egypt.
As many as 20,000 British travellers are in the popular resort, with TUI continuing to sell trips to the destination.
This despite Foreign Office warnings against travel to certain areas of the Middle Eastern country.
Addressing an industry audience at the Cimtig Question Time event, TUI operations director Christian Cull said: “Sharm-el-Sheikh is safe; we are flying people there today and tomorrow and we are still selling it.”
Cull went on to advise TUI was monitoring the Egyptian crisis closely, but was at pains to stress the tourist resort remained safe.
Passengers would be diverted through Aswan to avoid Cairo and Luxor, TUI added.
Germany has, however, issued a formal travel warning for all parts of Egypt, extending their advice to cover Red Sea tourist areas.
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Foreign Office Advice
However, away from the beaches, the Foreign Office was advising against all but essential travel to many destinations in Egypt.
“In light of the ongoing demonstrations, we continue to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo - all four governorates of Cairo, Giza, Helwan and 6 October - Alexandria, Luxor and Suez,” explained a statement from the government body.
“We recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means, where it is safe to do so.
“This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other international destinations, although there is disruption to flight schedules.”
Egyptian Unrest
As political unrest in Egyptian enters an eighth day, a major demonstration is planned for Cairo.
Upward of one million people are expected on the streets of the capital, with similar, although smaller, demonstrations are expected in other major cities around Egypt.
In a significant announcement last night the Egyptian army said it recognised the “legitimate” demands of the protestors and stated it would not use force against the demonstrations.