11 Jul 2021

Russia has finally lifted the ban it imposed six years ago on charter flights to Egypt. The flights will be resumed by mid-August. This will result in a huge boost to tourist inflows to Egypt, as Egyptian coastal resort cities, especially Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, attract large numbers of Russian tourists. It is estimated that about 200,000 - 300,000 Russian tourists visit Egypt each month, with most of them going to the coastal resort cities. Theses tourists come almost exclusively on charter flights. Tourism revenues will be boosted even further in light of the government’s recent decision to raise the maximum permitted hotel occupancy levels from 50% to 70%.

(Source: Reuters (English), Moscow Times (English), Associated Press (English), Euronews (English), al-Ahram (English), Egypt Today (English), Daily News Egypt (English), Egypt Independent (English), al-Maal, Amwal al-Ghad, al-Ahram, Akhbar al-Youm, al-Masry al-Youm, al-Shurouk, Sada el-Balad)