“Blue Sky” brings 60,000 tourists from Gulf countries to Egypt in 10 months
The Egyptian Blue Sky Tourism Company has welcomed nearly 60,000 tourists from the Gulf countries in the first 10 months of 2024. This number marks a 25% increase from the same period last year.
Hazem Makaoui, the company’s Gulf tourism officer, stated that Blue Sky aims to attract over 72,000 Gulf tourists by the end of 2024. This would represent another 25% increase compared to the previous year.
The average Gulf tourist spends between $200 and $300 per night, staying for 5 to 7 nights. This results in an average spending of about $1,000 for a 5-night stay. Gulf tourists are considered high spenders.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Gulf countries are vital for Egypt’s tourism. They contribute significantly in terms of visitor numbers, spending, and frequency of visits.
How is Egyptian Blue Sky Tourism Company planning to attract more Gulf tourists in the coming years?
Interview with Hazem Makaoui, Gulf Tourism Officer at Egyptian Blue Sky Tourism Company
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Hazem. It’s encouraging to hear about the growth in Gulf tourism in Egypt. Can you elaborate on the numbers you’ve mentioned regarding tourist arrivals from the Gulf?
Hazem Makaoui: Absolutely. We are pleased to report that Egyptian Blue Sky Tourism Company has welcomed nearly 60,000 tourists from Gulf countries in the first ten months of 2024. This marks a significant 25% increase compared to the same time last year.
Interviewer: That’s impressive growth. What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
Hazem Makaoui: Our target is to attract over 72,000 Gulf tourists by the end of 2024, which would equate to another 25% increase from the previous year. We aim to sustain this growth trajectory.
Interviewer: The financial contribution from these tourists is quite notable. Can you share insights on their spending habits?
Hazem Makaoui: Certainly. The average Gulf tourist spends between $200 and $300 per night, typically staying for around 5 to 7 nights. This translates to an average spending of about $1,000 for a 5-night stay. They are recognized as high spenders in our tourism sector.
Interviewer: How significant are Gulf tourists to Egypt’s overall tourism strategy?
Hazem Makaoui: Gulf countries are critical to Egypt’s tourism. They significantly contribute to visitor numbers, spending, and the frequency of visits. We prioritize these markets for their economic impact.
Interviewer: Which Gulf countries are showing the most potential for growth in tourist arrivals?
Hazem Makaoui: Currently, Saudi Arabia leads in tourist arrivals, followed by countries like Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. We have plans in place to maintain a 25% growth rate in Gulf tourist numbers through 2025.
Interviewer: Speaking of overall tourism, how is Egypt performing in terms of international arrivals this year?
Hazem Makaoui: Egypt has seen over 8 million tourists in the first seven months alone, and by the end of 2024, we anticipate surpassing 15 million arrivals. The projected tourism income will exceed $14 billion, which highlights the sector’s vitality.
Interviewer: Tourism seems to be a crucial element for Egypt’s foreign exchange. How does it compare with other sources?
Hazem Makaoui: Apart from exports and remittances, tourism serves as a major source of foreign exchange for the Egyptian economy. Its role cannot be overstated, as it supports thousands of jobs and local businesses.
Interviewer: Thank you, Hazem, for sharing these valuable insights on Gulf tourism in Egypt. It’s clear that the sector is on an upward trajectory.
Hazem Makaoui: Thank you for having me. We’re excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for Egypt’s tourism industry.
Makaoui highlighted that Saudi Arabia leads in tourist arrivals, followed by Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. The company aims to maintain a 25% growth rate in Gulf tourist numbers by 2025.
In the first seven months of this year, Egypt received over 8 million tourists. By the end of 2024, this number is expected to reach over 15 million, with tourism income projected to exceed $14 billion, said Amr El-Kady, CEO of the General Authority for Tourism Promotion.
Apart from exports and remittances, tourism is a key source of foreign exchange for the Egyptian economy.