Egypt focuses on Arab tourism, projects in the Riviera
Egypt, Economics, 6/3/1998

Helmi Ali Bedier, the Egyptian ambassador in Saudi Arabia, said that 1998 is the year of Arab tourism, which gives a special importance to increasing the traffic of Arab tourist groups to Egypt.

He had said that on a recent trip to Saudi Arabia that the Saudis account for 40% of total Arab tourism Egypt and spend more than $1 billion.

This effort comes as part of continuing efforts to restore Egypt's tourist traffic, which was dealt a hard blow in the second half of 1997 by attacks against tourists in Cairo and Luxor. As Egypt succeeds in its efforts to increase awareness of its attractions as one of the best places to vacation, tourist traffic is once again on the rise, Egypt is continuing with development projects in its tourist areas amongst which is the Egyptian Riviera.

The Egyptian Riviera comprises five tourism planning sectors within the Gulf of Aqaba zone: Taba, Nubia, Dahab, Wadi Kid, and Sharm El-Sheikh. Among the five sectors, Taba and Nubia were given top priority for tourism development and were combined to an area known as the Egyptian River.

Moreover the Gulf of Aqaba on the Egyptian Rivera offers a variety of tourist attractions, from a dramatic mountain backdrop to stretches of golden beaches. Underwater coral reefs and marine life offer a spectacular time for divers and snorkels. There is much room for tourists within a diversity in marine life species that includes 250 different corals and 1,000 species of fish.

Historical sites are available in the area within arm's reach. Salahddin's fortress is one such site, as well as the Bedouin culture, scenes and handicrafts. In the Rivera adventurers and sportsmen will find a haven offering many activities, including desert safaris and mountaineering.

Tourist officials say that the area is accessible through a reliable network of roads, connected to central Sinai and Cairo.

Egyptian Minister of Tourism Mamdouh El-Beltagi had said that Egypt has 630 projects underway to enhance the tourists' experience.

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