Return of the Red Sea
With Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada open to tourists again, it’s time to think about Egyptian itineraries for sun-seeking clients
The year-round beach destination of Sharm El Sheikh has long been one of Egypt’s most popular holiday spots for Brits, so the UK travel industry celebrated when the FCO lifted advice against travel to the Red Sea resort in October 2019 after a four-year hiatus. Now, after a second (shorter) travel ban due to the coronavirus crisis, the destination is celebrating the announcement that tourists can return from 1 July, with Hurghada and Marsa Matrouh set to reopen after the pandemic on the same date.
In Sharm El Sheikh, visitors have an extensive choice of hotels, from the likes of Four Seasons, Hyatt and Sheraton to local chains promising a quality as high as the international brands. If clients are travelling with family, there are plenty of child-friendly stays in Sharm El Sheikh’s portfolio, some even with aqua parks.
Calling all explorers
UK travellers that would rather get out of their hotels and explore the local area have lots to choose from too. With the crystalline Red Sea on Sharm El Sheikh’s doorstep there are countless watersporting opportunities, including snorkelling, parasailing and kayaking. The scuba diving here is also incredibly highly rated, with excellent conditions and underwater treasures accessible to both beginners and experienced divers.
On land, the desert surrounding Sharm El Sheikh is one of nature’s playgrounds. Safaris, camel riding and trekking are all activities to recommend to clients with a sense of adventure.
Meanwhile, fans of shopping will be pleased to hear there are plenty of places to pick up holiday purchases, while Sharm El Sheikh’s wide range of restaurants, coffee shops and bars provide ample opportunities to take a break from the markets and malls, or spend a short time away from the beach.
Twin-centre trip
It’s likely some travellers will want to combine their Egyptian beach break with immersive culture. For these clients, recommend they get their coastal fix in Hurghada and choose an itinerary that incorporates experiences on the Nile. These could include visiting the Valley of Kings at Luxor, stepping into the traditional Nubian villages in Aswan or embarking on a river cruise.
With Egypt’s coastal resorts ready to receive guests again and the country’s interior promising as much history, culture and spirituality as ever, this destination looks set to make a remarkable return after the pandemic.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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