Fears for tourism as riots hit Egypt

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.

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.