Can we enjoy winter in Egypt AND afford domestic tourism? Yes, sir!

Dr Khaled Al-Anani, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Pilot Mohamed Manar, Minister of Civil Aviation, set up an initiative to encourage the internal tourism movement through a new initiative under the name of “Winter in Egypt” initiative.

The “Winter in Egypt” initiative aims to reduce domestic air flights prices, connect tourist cities within Egypt, and organise trips from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam.

Plus from Alexandria to Luxor and Aswan, from January 15 until the end of February 2021.

It was decided that the prices of airline tickets for Egyptians and foreigners would be tax-inclusive, during the period from January 15 to February 28, 2021, at a flat rate, as follows:

• From Cairo and Alexandria to Luxor 1500 EGP
• From Cairo and Alexandria to Aswan 1800 EGP
• From Cairo and Alexandria to Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Taba 1800 EGP
• From Cairo and Alexandria to Marsa Alam 2000 EGP

As for the hotels, the Egyptian Chamber of Tourism Establishments announced the amendment of the dates and prices of trips for the “Winter in Egypt” initiative, based on the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ mandates.

In their statement, the Chamber said that the initiative’s dates had been modified to start from January 15 to February 28, coinciding with the new dates for the mid-year vacation.

As for the prices for fixed and floating hotels have been modified to make the price per night per person in a double room as follows:

• 5-star hotels: 750 pounds
• 4-star hotels 600 pounds
• 3-star hotels 300 pounds

The prices apply for all participating tourist governorates; except Luxor and Aswan, which are subject to the same prices, but only for half board.

The Chamber demanded that hotels wishing to participate in the initiative quickly provide the Chamber with an official request, considering that all the stipulated procedures and health requirements are applied, especially the operating rate of 50%, and the prices include service, tax and without any other expenses.

It is noteworthy that in support of the “Winter in Egypt” initiative to encourage domestic tourism, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, in its last session, last week, decided to grant a 50% reduction on the prices of tickets for the entire Egyptians in the archaeological areas and museums open to visit in the governorates of Qena, Luxor and Aswan, during January and February 2021.

Now if only there weren’t a pandemic…