Ahmed El Khadem: Local tourism booming

"Egyptian tourism bas increased in January and February this year by a percentage of 11.5 compared to the same period in 2004.

This was announced by the head of the Tourism Promotion Authority," Ahmed el Khadem, during the regional seminar on tourist services quality control.

The seminar was attended by worldwide experts in tourist services quality control.

El -Khadem stressed that Egyptian tourism promotion campaigns are continued year-round, the most recent one being held at the Russian Tourism and Travel Fair.

During the Russian Fair, several contracts were signed that would hopefully increase Russian tourist figures to Egypt by 20 per cent compared to last year, he added.

El- Khadem expressed his worry concerning high fuel prices which could have a negative impact on worldwide travel and consequently the Egyptian tourist industry.

He denied any plans to abolish or lower promotion projects for Egyptian tourism in Arab countries, scheduled to be started next month and running until June.

These countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.