Egypt could become the top destination for Russian tourists this winter season

Egypt could become the top destination for Russian tourists this winter season. Moreover, the number of Russians tourists from August to the end of the year can reach half a million. That is a very good indicator for a start. This optimistic forecast was published in the Egyptian media by Dr. Atef Abdel Latif, a member of the South Sinai Tourism Investors Association.

Now, 10 new permits have been issued for the transportation of Russians to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Experts predict that the number of Russian tourists arriving in Egypt from August to the end of this year will range from 400 000 to 500 000.

Russian operators explain such figures by a significant increase of the tourist flow from Russian cities to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada since August this year.

At the same time, Dr. Atef Abdel Latif added that "the number of trips will begin to grow in the second half of the year and will peak during the winter tourist season. Egypt has always been the first tourist destination for Russian tourists in the winter season."

Russia currently operates 9 flights to Hurghada and 8 to Sharm el-Sheikh. Moreover, all Russian flights to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are regular. "If Russian airlines begin to operate charter flights to the tourist cities of the Red Sea and South Sinai, the number of Russian tourists in Egypt will at least double," Russian experts predict.