Confi dence in U.S. Egypt Aiming for US$7B Tourism Revenues

Egypt Aiming for US$7B Tourism Revenues in 2021

by Staff Further Africa

Egypt is aiming for tourism revenues of US$6 to US$7B in 2021, the deputy tourism minister told Reuters.

Tourism revenue, a key source of foreign currency for Egypt, plunged by 70% in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tourism usually accounts for up to 15% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The number of tourists visiting Egypt sank to 3.5 million last year from 13.1 million in 2019.

Egypt expects to see around 60% of the number of visitors it had in 2019 this year, Ghada Shalaby said.

The country expects to attract more than 1 million Russian tourists during the rest of 2021 as direct fl ights between the two countries are set to resume, she added.

Russian agency Interfax reported on Tuesday that an announcement on the resumption of charter fl ights to Egypt was expected “soon”.

Direct fl ights to popular Egyptian resorts were suspended after a Russian passenger plane crashed in Sinai in October 2015, killing 224 people. https://furtherafrica.com/2021/04/25/egypt-aiming-forus7b-tourism-revenues-in-2021-deputy-minister Image credit: Photo by Nadine Doerlé , Egypt Independent

Opening in 2021` The World’s Best Hotel Openings in 2021: So M

By Team Fathom

Xigera Safari Lodge Kisawa Sanctuary

Xigera Safari Lodge Where: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana When: January

Why We’re Excited: A dozen responsibly designed suites overlooking the fl oodplains of the Okavango Delta extend over two islands and showcase the best of African craftsmanship — from the building architecture (inspired by the wingspan of the Perl’s Fishing Owl) to commissioned artwork, ceramics, and decor pieces from 80 artists across the continent. Guests create individualized programs based on their interests, schedules, and who they’re traveling with (kids over 12 are welcome).

Feel-Good Factor: The lodge has a number of state-of-the-art, fi rst-of-its-kind sustainable infrastructure measures. The lodge is powered by the sun, free of single-use plastics, and temperature-stabilized with tinted glass. There are sophisticated systems for managing water (thermodynamic geysers) and waste (Earth Cycle composter; gray water irrigation), responsible building practices, and partnerships with the local community.

Kisawa Sanctuary Where: Benguerra Island, Mozambique When: April

Why We’re Excited: Guests who stay in one of the serenely designed thatched-roof bungalows in this subtropical marine park have their own private pools and private beaches on the Indian Ocean. Besides full board and spa treatments, there’s tons of personal space and lots of familyfriendly programming.

Feel-Good Factor: Kisawa is guided by its local ecosystem, built with a light footprint by skilled artisans from the area. Non-profi t sister organization Bazaruto Center for Scientifi c Studies is the fi rst ocean observatory dedicated to multi-ecosystem research in Africa and welcomes scientists and volunteers.

Sextantio “Huts Project” Where: Nkombo Island, Rwanda When: By the end of the year

Why We’re Excited: Sextantio made its name by reviving near-abandoned living structures in forgotten villages in Italy and turning them into the