US to cancel soon ban on tourism

Tourism Minister Mamdouh Al-Beltagui said that he had received US confirmation that ban on Tourism to Egypt will be lifted.

Egypt has proved secure and stable, said Beltagui that US Chamber of Commerce in Egypt can play a significant role in attracting US tourism and investment to Egypt.

Beltagui told US Chamber of Commerce in Egypt that tourism is one of the main fields that can boost development in Egypt as it provides hard currencies and new job opportunities.

Beltagui said that the number of tourists to Egypt in 1982 did not exceed one million. In 2000, tourists reached 5.5 million. Tourism revenues rose from US $ 403 million in 1992 to US $ 4.3 billion in 1999-2000.

Hotel capacity rose from 18000 rooms in 1982 to 107000 rooms in 2000 . Hotel occupancy in 2000 hit 73%.

"Egyptian tourism plan targets 9.5 million tourists in 2005 and 56.5 million nights compared to 32.8 million at present. Tourism revenues account for 11.3% of Gross Domestic Product. Tourism provides 2.2 million job opportunities," said Beltagui.