Egypt tourism industry expects modest growth

Egypt’s tourism industry, hit by years of political upheaval and militant violence, is expected to post moderate growth this year and hopes a global advertising campaign will revive the sector vital for economic recovery, the tourism minister said. Last year, 9.9 million tourists visited Egypt, a far cry from the 14.7 million that visited in 2010, before an uprising the following year triggered turmoil in the land of ancient sites and sea resorts.

President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has restored some stability since the army toppled Islamist President Mohammad Morsi in 2013 following mass protests against his rule but not enough to persuade large numbers of foreigners that it is safe to return.

Minister Hisham Zaazou expects around 10 million tourists this year or slightly higher, 1 million less than the previous forecast of 11 million.

“From January until the end of August the rise was very little, barely 5 percent,” he told Reuters.