Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-02-11 16:01:09
A member of the Tourism Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives, Sahar Talaat Mostafa, recently brought attention to the impact of the ongoing Gaza war on the tourism sector in Egypt. In her parliamentary question submitted to the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Mostafa inquired about the government’s plan to support hotels across Egypt in light of the challenges brought about by the war.
Mostafa highlighted the complaints and requests for assistance she had received from hotel owners in Taba, Nuweiba, and Dahab, where tourist traffic had come to a halt for the fourth consecutive month due to the war in Gaza and the spread of fighting to other regions. She emphasized the detrimental effect of these events on the tourism industry, as countries that export tourism to Egypt, particularly the South Sinai region, had canceled existing reservations and suspended future bookings until the situation stabilized.
The impact of the cessation of tourist traffic extended beyond just the loss of foreign currency revenue. Mostafa pointed out that it also resulted in the closure of hotel establishments and the deterioration of their infrastructure, ultimately leading to significant financial costs to restore them to normal operation. She underscored the serious consequences for workers, including potential unemployment and the accumulation of debts by hotel owners.
In her parliamentary question, Mostafa called on the government to address the challenges facing hotel owners in Taba, Nuweiba, and Dahab and to develop a plan to mitigate the repercussions of the Israeli war. She stressed the importance of preserving Egypt’s tourism sector, which plays a vital role in addressing foreign currency challenges.
The concerns raised by Mostafa shed light on the urgent need for government intervention to support the ailing tourism industry in Egypt. As the war in Gaza continues to disrupt the flow of tourists to the country, it is imperative for the government to devise a comprehensive plan to assist hotel owners and prevent further deterioration of the tourism sector.
The impact of the ongoing conflict in the region has far-reaching consequences, and the government must act swiftly to mitigate the effects on the tourism industry. By providing support to hotel owners and implementing measures to encourage the resumption of tourist traffic, the government can help to safeguard the livelihoods of workers in the sector and protect Egypt’s economy from the adverse impact of the war.
The parliamentary question submitted by Mostafa serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent action required to address the challenges facing the tourism industry in Egypt. It is imperative for the government to prioritize the development of a comprehensive support plan to ensure the resilience of the sector in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges. Maintaining the strength of Egypt’s tourism industry is essential for the country’s economic stability and its ability to navigate foreign currency challenges in the wake of the ongoing conflict in the region.
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