German Flights to Luxor to Resume in July - Claims.

[Hafiz]

“Germany to resume direct flights to Luxor; gov’t plans visa-free travel for GCC nationals

Germany will resume direct flights to Luxor on 6 July, said Tourism Minister Yahia Rashed. The Tourism Ministry also plans to grant GCC (Gulf) nationals visa-free entry to Egypt as part of its plans to boost tourism, Al Shorouk reports. The coming period will also see a number of visa restrictions eased and the launch of online visas, said Rashed. The ministry is also planning to establish a direct cruise maritime route with Greece to increase the number of tourists visiting Sinai. Furthermore, the ministry has increased the number of countries it plans to target for promoting tourism to 35 markets from 14. The ministry will launch its promotion campaign in Saudi Arabia this week, ahead of Ramadan, said the minister, adding that bookings and reservations figures point to occupancy rates in Greater Cairo reaching 90%.”
http://enterprise.press/#tourism

The 90% figure is hard to believe – even coming from a Minister. That Gulf nationals ever needed a visa comes as a surprise and an example of not very commercially savvy government rules. The online visa promise has been made a few times.

But I guess that, if true, these announcements are positive for Egyptian tourism and Luxor.

[Brian Yare]

"The ministry is also planning to establish a direct cruise maritime route with Greece to increase the number of tourists visiting Sinai."

Who in their right mind would want to visit Sinai at the moment?

[Who2]

Me, myself & I....

[Dusak]

3,000 and odd attempting to get out, 6,000 and odd attempting to get in.

[Major Thom]

Is it because Germany have kept their Gobs Shut? I am sure there will be thousands and thousands of Germans cramming the planes in July.

[carrie]

Is what because the Germans have kept "their gobs shut" I don't understand?

[Hafiz]

I'm guessing MT's meaning. The German's have not kept their gobs shut. They have recently closed down the Cairo office of the prestigious Naumann Foundation, a civil liberties organization, because of government 'interference'. Everyman, and their dog, knows what is really going on in Egypt. The German Foreign Minister has been clear and decisive which is more than can be said for his supine UK peer.

Even the less than truthful and always obedient al Ahram publishes this story. http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent ... -of-G.aspx

[Major Thom]

I only look at European News, had not stern this, I was referring to other incidents which I have no need to state. It's noticeable though they still want cash for projects they are undergoing. What a stupid month to start flights again, mid Summer, temps in the 40's, I am sure the flights will all be full.
I suspect visa free statement will be like a red rag to a bull!

[carrie]

What other incidents, you do need to state cause I don't know what your talking about. As for the visa free travel why should that be like a red rag to a bull? It applies to travelers from the Gulf and I thought they were already entitled to visa free travel. Maybe not but not the Germans.
When I went to Hurghada earlier in the year the hotel was full to bursting with Germans.

[Major Thom]

Two days ago Hurghada was empty compared to normal, it also looked like many shops had closed.

[newcastle]

They must have heard that I flew to London last Saturday.

I never thought I'd be so greatly missed.