Egypt posts successful half-year tourism figures

Egypt has managed to weather the storm and remain unaffected by the credit crunch and eurozone debt crisis, it has been claimed.

According to the country's tourism minister, Zoheir Garrana, tourism revenue has grown by 18 per cent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

It takes the total revenue to USD5.58 billion over the timeframe, with the hope of reaching USD13 billion by the end of 2010.

Steven Worboys, managing director of Experience International, explains that many European countries had been hit hardest by the global economic crises.

"Holidaymakers are now focused on finding the best deals available, often looking further afield than usual to non-eurozone countries such as Egypt where their money goes further," he adds.

"It's certainly encouraging to see that tourism revenues are up and that the sector is accounting for 11 per cent of GDP."

The news may interest individuals looking to find property in Muhafazat al Bahr al Ahmar, with the destination home to the popular tourist spot of Hurghada.