Egypt's historical credentials are well known, but a new modern destination is emerging. Egypt's historical credentials are well known, but a new modern destination is emerging.

Pyramids, tombs and pharaohs — Egypt’s historical credentials are well known, but a new, modern Egypt is emerging with hotel chains opening brand new properties that will portray the country in a whole new light.

Egypt is best known for its historical attributes and there is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of visitors go to witness the Pyramids and the tombs of the pharaohs.

However, for the seasoned traveller to Egypt and many Middle Eastern nationals, exploring the country’s past has been done to death and it is no longer the main draw.

Story continues below
Advertisement

This breed of traveller is looking for luxury, adventure and an increasingly modern holiday experience and it’s a trend that has been noticed by the major hotel chains and airlines who are increasing their presence in Egypt in terms of new properties and routes.

“When people think of Egypt they think of the Pyramids, but there is far more to Egypt,” says deputy director general of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, Manal Hosny.

“The 22% increase in visitors to Egypt year on year in 2007 can be explained by a number of factors. Egypt is placed centrally between a number of core markets including Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” Hosny explains.

And with the ongoing expansion of resorts in Egypt, Hosny envisages further growth within the country’s hospitality industry.

“New resorts are fuelling expansion in places like Port Ghalib, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and El Gouna. Luxury hotels are bringing with them spas, swimming pools and golf courses,” Hosny explains.

“The more facilities there are, the greater attraction Egypt is for visitors,” she adds.

Although this has been a challenging year for Egypt due to the impact of the global recession and Swine Flu, the long-term prospects are incredibly positive, so it is definitely time to get a grip on what modern Egypt has to offer and learn how you can create a holiday to cater to your clients’ varying tastes.