Egypt looks set to receive a further dent to its stability, as the ongoing riots threaten to damage the country’s lucrative tourism industry.
Amid nationwide scenes of violent protests, several international airlines — including Delta and Lufthansa — cancelled or suspended flights to Cairo.
A number of hotel companies also reported cancellations from tourists no longer willing — or able — to travel to the country. However, a spokesperson from Marriott International added that the cancellations had been largely offset by travellers extending stays due to disrupted flights.
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With an estimated 2000 people wounded, and 92 killed during the rioting, it is likely that the country’s tourism industry will take some time to recover — threatening jobs in the industry, which accounts for 10% of the nation’s employment.
This is the second blow the country’s tourism industry has received recently, following a series of shark attacks in Sharm el Sheikh — one of which resulted in the death of an elderly tourist.
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