Luxor4u

Egypt has become one of the fastest growing holiday hotspots for Mancunians this summer.

Thomas Cook has revealed that bookings to the country have shot up by more than 109 per cent - with the Red Sea destination of Hurghada seeing a resurgence in popularity this year.

The second and third fastest growing destinations are Cuba and mainland Spain, which are up 22 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

Once deemed the quieter, more up-and-coming resort, Hurghada is now hugely popular, offering a classic beach holiday at a good price.

Thomas Cook has seen bookings to Hurghada shoot up by more than 100 per cent

The tour operator has created a list of the top five activities to enjoy in the region, to help travellers during their summer holidays.

Mahmya beach on Giftun Island tops Tripadvisor’s list of things to do whilst on holiday in Hurghada.

Day trippers can enjoy the glowing white sand and crystal clear waters, before relaxing under a beach umbrella and snorkelling amongst the beautiful coral reef.

Eygpt’s largest water park, Makadi Water World, in the heart of the Red Sea Riviera has more than 50 different rides, including an adrenaline-fuelled 19m free-fall slide.

The Senzo Mall meanwhile, is the largest shopping complex of its kind in the Red Sea Riviera. Shoppers can escape the midday heat and browse the extensive fashion and homeware stores.

The fourth activity to make the list is learning to scuba dive in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea is considered to be one of the best diving spots in the whole world, with clear, calm and warm waters, and some of the most vibrant and colourful marine life imaginable.

Excursions and courses can be booked through hotels.

The final suggestion on the list is taking an unmissable trip to see they pyramids.

The tour operator recommends taking a trip to Cairo to experience the last remaining wonder of the ancient world: the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The ancient city of Luxor meanwhile, is just a four hour drive from Hurghada, ideal for a day excursion.

Thomas Cook currently has a number of hotel and flight package deals to Hurghada, with flights out of Manchester Airport.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... n-12833957

I notice they don't give any actual numbers, so the number of tourist could have gone from 1 to 2, that would be a 100% increase.

Bearded Brian wrote:I notice they don't give any actual numbers, so the number of tourist could have gone from 1 to 2, that would be a 100% increase.

Could be

Thomas Cook are operating 10 flights a week from UK this summer so ....probably more than 2.

newcastle wrote:

Bearded Brian wrote:I notice they don't give any actual numbers, so the number of tourist could have gone from 1 to 2, that would be a 100% increase.

Could be

Thomas Cook are operating 10 flights a week from UK this summer so ....probably more than 2.

Yes, but Hurghada is starting from quite a low base so whilst encouraging for Egyptian tourism it does need to be kept in perspective.

Zooropa wrote:

newcastle wrote:

Bearded Brian wrote:I notice they don't give any actual numbers, so the number of tourist could have gone from 1 to 2, that would be a 100% increase.

Could be

Thomas Cook are operating 10 flights a week from UK this summer so ....probably more than 2.

Yes, but Hurghada is starting from quite a low base so whilst encouraging for Egyptian tourism it does need to be kept in perspective.

True.

I'll put the champagne back in the fridge then

By the way, Ive mentioned (i think?) that im bringing my son to Egypt next month.

I am also taking my other son away but destination is not set yet, if i brought him to Luxor he would kill me after about the first temple.

Now, dont get the wrong impression, i would never suggest Hurghada as a traditional beech holiday and then suggest a day trip to Luxor/Cairo that would just be too sneaky and im above that sort of thing as im sure you all know.

If we did go there what would we expect.

Basic bullet point opinions appreciated and of course all faithfully and accurately relayed to my son without amendment.

Oooh, how practical is Petra from there?

Zooropa wrote:Oooh, how practical is Petra from there?

Sadly....not very. I went when I used to frequent Taba on the Israeli border. It was an easy day trip by boat (to Aqaba) and then coach. Unfortunately, the Sinai situation has put the kybosh on that.

Re Hurghada...see initial post where TC extol some of the attractions.

There's a surfeit of good hotels in Hurghada or the nearby resorts of El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh & Makadi Bay. The dearth of Russians has improved things enormously (in my somewhat racist opinion!)

I wouldn't say the nightlife is wildly exciting....but plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to mooch around.

You'd need to be into beach life, water activities etc. to get the best out of Hurghada...and the street hassle is nothing like as bad as Luxor. No obvious grinding poverty either.

Thanks and bugger (Petra).

I looked at Eilat but thats way more than i want to pay!

Z, one good way to see Petra is if Thomsons are still doing their Red Sea cruise a sthey have that trip in their itinery, Petra is something not to be missed if you get the chance.

I think their boat, which used to do it, has just moved to the Med for the summer.

No idea if there's anyone else.

Yes it does change cruise itineraries throughout the year.
Just had a quick look and their usual boat the Celebration, does not show up in any Red Sea trips as far as I can see.

"The ancient city of Luxor meanwhile, is just a four hour drive from Hurghada, ideal for a day excursion."

I wouldnt call anywhere in the world that was 4 hrs each way "ideal for a day trip". (especially seeing as the landscape is virtually the same every bit of the way)

You can also visit Cairo and the pyramids.

5 hrs plus by road.

An 18 hr day....about 14 hr of it spent in a car/minibus negotiating fast moving traffic

Hotspots for Mancunians this summer.

One very good reason to give Hurgharda a wide berth.
Has anyone informed them that The Rovers Return is only a figment ?.....

When I went to Cairo last time I called in a travel agents and they were offering 2 day trips to Petra at a very good price.
How old is your son Zooropa? If he's a young teenager and into beach holidays I am sure he would love Hurghada.

Someone I know takes his whole family to the Red Sea area every year for the month of August. He wouldn't go anywhere else! It takes all sorts, I suppose. I spent a week in Hurghada many years ago and found it boring - but then, I'm not into water based activities.

Ruby Slippers wrote: I'm not into water based activities.

Glad to hear it

Mmmm! Not sure how I can rephrase that, Newcastle, without innuendo!

Who2 wrote:Hotspots for Mancunians this summer.

One very good reason to give Hurgharda a wide berth.
Has anyone informed them that The Rovers Return is only a figment ?.....

Mmm, North v South, as a Midlander i have no dog in this fight.

But, Who2, as a Londoner i might say you are on thin ice having a pop at Mancs, both in their stereotypical forms are as bad as each other!