Egypt 'safe', Britons told

At least 80 people were killed during demonstrations to mark the third anniversary of the 2011 revolution. Four bombs exploded in the capital, including one in the city centre that badly damaged the Museum of Islamic Art, and two in Giza. A fifth bomb exploded in Suez. According to the Foreign Office, Westerners, including Britons, were targeted by protestors.

However, Philip Breckner of Discover Egypt, which specialises in Nile cruises but also offers trips to Cairo, was adamant that tourists are not at risk.

“Safety is our number one priority, but the trouble has been limited to military and police locations in Cairo,” he said. “In Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt there have been no real problems throughout the past couple of years. In Luxor last Saturday not one incident was reported.

“Those on the ground can’t understand why tourists are not coming. People’s livelihoods are at risk and they are crying out for tourism.”