Tourism+-+Egypt

Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with many attractions still available and standing for international tourists to visit. The country is appealing to tourists because of the attractive climate, the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts, moderate prices, and a reputation for hospitality to foreign visitors. The tourism industry is greatly affected by politics and external developments, such as the previous hijacking of an Italian airplane in 1985, the security riots in Cairo in 1986, and the US air raid on Libya in 1986. After Sadat signed the peace accords with Israel in 1979, the percentage of Arab nationalities that visited Egypt decreased because they were discouraged by this diplomatic move. Between 1980 and 1984, both Arab nationalities and OECD nationalities were about the same percentage.

The main attractions for foreign visitors are: The Giza Pyramids The Great Sphinx Abu Simbel Temples Valley of the Kings Mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha Sinai Coastal Areas (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Hurghada)

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Egypt's toursim has grown by 20% in 2007, and the Egyptian government predicts that the number of tourists in 2011 will reach about 14 million people. The tourism receipts in 2005 were about $US 6,851 million and at the end of 2009, the receipts were $US 11,600 million. The tourism industry is continuing to grow at an average rate per annum. In 2000, there were 113,611 rooms in hotels and 227,222 beds and a 73% occupancy rate. In 2002, the US government estimated the average daily cost of staying in Cairo was about $167 US dollars, which is the same as in other major cities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Egypt#Statistics http://countrystudies.us/egypt/101.htm