Egypt Tourism News
UK travellers face three day wait for Sharm el Sheikh departure
The remaining British nationals in Egypt should be able to fly home by the weekend, according the latest update from Egyptian officials. Routine flights were suspended following the crash of a Russian Metrojet flight from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg on October 31st.
Russia bans all flights to Egypt following Metojet crash
Russian officials have suspended all flights to Egypt following speculation the downing an Airbus 321 operated by Metrojet last Saturday. The latest move follows indications the crash near Sharm el-Sheikh was caused by a bomb.
UK investigators suspect bomb on board Russian jet
UK investigators are working under the assumption a bomb was placed on board a Russian airliner which crashed in Egypt. According to reports from the BBC, UK government officials suspect a device was placed in the hold shortly before take-off. The UK government has suspended all flights to and from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh as a result.
Thousands of Brits stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh following crash
As many as 20,000 British travellers remain stranded in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh following the crash of a Russian airliner at the weekend. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office has advised against “all but essential travel” to the destination as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
Kogalymavia plane crashes in Sinai, Egypt
An Airbus A321 operated by Russian airline Kogalymavia has crashed in Egypt with the loss of all 224 people on board. A statement from the Egyptian prime minister’s office confirmed the aircraft came down central Sinai earlier.
Mexican tourists killed by Egyptian security forces
Egyptian security forces have killed 12 people, including Mexican tourists, during an anti-terror operation in the Wahat area of the Western Desert. In a statement, the interior ministry said the mistake had occurred as the group entered a restricted area.
Egypt backtracks on visa on arrival changes for British travellers
Officials in Egypt have backtracked on plans to stop British tourists visiting the country from obtaining visas on arrival. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry had originally revealed plans requiring Britons travelling alone, that is outside of organised tours, to apply for a visa before travel from May 15th.
Breaking Travel News interview: Mehdi Othmani, general manager, Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Overlooking the Red Sea, the Hilton Hurghada Plaza Hotel offers breath-taking views from all 218 guest rooms and suites. From casual beachfront dining to romantic candlelit meals the range of fine dining on offer will suit all tastes, while the chance to relax in the sauna and whirlpool is also a welcome escape. Having been recognised as Africa’s Leading Green Hotel by the World Travel Awards in 2015, Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole here sits down with general manager Mehdi Othmani to discuss what 2015 holds for this stunning beachfront property.
Abu Dhabi launches new tourism campaign push in Egypt
Abu Dhabi has launched its first outbound tourism promotional drive in Africa, targeting leading travel operators to encourage more visitors to the emirate. For the first time in Africa, a delegation from Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and supported by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, held a dedicated tourism workshop in Cairo attracting 120 leading travel agent and tour operators from across the Egyptian capital.
The Travel Corporation brands to re-enter Egypt
Following the recent presidential election, The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of brands has announced its intention to resume operations in Egypt for the 2014/2015 season, as a strong showing of support for the Egyptian people. Effective September 2014, Contiki will re-commence trips, with Trafalgar and Insight Vacations starting from January 2015 and Uniworld from September 2015.
King Tutankhamun’s replica tomb to be unveiled in Luxor
An exact replica of King Tutankhamun’s tomb is being installed near the 3,000-year-old original version, in the West Bank of Luxor beside the home of Howard Carter, the legendary British Archaeologist who discovered the original tomb in 1922.
SODIC support Egyptian Tourism initiative “Helwa Ya Baladi”
SODIC recently announced its latest initiative to support the Egyptian economy, this time focusing on domestic tourism by sponsoring the “Helwa Ya Baladi” initiative to promote domestic tourism in collaboration with the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority headed by Ambassador Nasser Hamdi.