Egypt To Develop Tourism In Collaboration With UNWTO

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism signed a cooperation protocol with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to provide technical and political support to the sector, according to Minister of Tourism Hisham Zaazou.

The ministry requested UNWTO provide the Egyptian government with experts on crises management. “The organisation has approved our request and experts are currently writing their reports on Egyptian tourism,” Zaazou said.

The support will not be limited to the current stage but will rather extend to penning an entire development plan for the sector.

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with international tourism experts Tuesday, according to Zaazou. During the meeting, the president and experts agreed on an initial strategy that relies on four aspects; security, historical tourism, establishment of a new ministerial committee, and promoting the advantages of the Egyptian tourist destination around the world.

Egypt will pledge to provide security to visitors of tourist resorts and commit to providing maximum safety at international standards. Zaazou said $32m will be used to attain the latest security systems and protocols.

The Egyptian government has contracted with Control Risks Company to evaluate and review procedures of securing Egyptian airports. The company began its work in early February with Sharm El-Sheikh Airport and then Marsa Alam Airport.

The second aspect related to historical tourism will make use of the treasure and monuments Egypt has, which will be used to attract more tourism. The government also plans to establish a ministerial committee headed by Zaazou to put a strategy to develop the sector with help of international experts.

Penn, Schoen, and Berland Associates, US conducted a study in January on Egyptian tourism destinations in seven international markets, which revealed that 61% of tourists considered Egypt as a main spot they plan to visit. Egyptian tourism revenue fell last year to $6.1bn from $7.3bn during the previous year.

Secretary General of UNWTO Taleb D. Rifai said the organisation will not only provide Egyptian tourism with technical support but will also provide political support by making touristic experiences from other tourism countries available to Egypt. “Despite the crises in the Middle East, tourists are expected to continue visiting the region,” Rifai said. “The flow might drop in one country but will be offset by an increase in another.”

Some 1.2 billion people moved worldwide for tourism purposes in 2015, of which 5.5-6% visited the Middle East. This ratio is expected to amount to 125m people by 2030, according to Rifai who expects the number of tourists to increase by 3% globally by the end of 2016.

UNWTO will draw a study on the Chinese market to support the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism since the market has been growing in recent years. The number of tourists arrivals to Egypt from China increased to 215,000 people in 2015 versus 115,000 in 2014.

RUSSIA: Kremlin Says Russia's Egypt Flight Ban May Last 'several months'

A top Kremlin official has said that Russia's ban on Egypt-bound flights will likely remain for 'several months.' The British FM said the UK took a similar decision after examining footage from Sharm el-Sheikh airport.

Kremlin chief of staff Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday that a flight ban to Egypt will likely remain in place for several months. Authorities suspect that a bomb brought down the Russian passenger flight 9268 on October 31, killing all 224 people on board.

"It's for a long time. For how long, I can't say, but I think for several months, at least," Ivanov said.

"To be honest, we stopped flights to Egypt not knowing the final version (of the crash), but we did this as a preventative measure, as a precaution," Ivanov noted.

The Russian official said that security protocols at Egyptian airports needed to be improved, not only at Sharm el-Sheikh but "those places where Russian planes fly," such as the capital Cairo and resort town Hurghada. The move is likely to impact Egypt's economy, which heavily relies on the country's tourism industry.

Egypt's security amiss

Kremlin's Ivanov added that it would be an impossible task for Egyptian authorities to revamp security within a month, stressing that efforts needed to be taken to bring standards up to a sufficient level.

More than 25,000 Russian tourists - stranded in the country when Russia suspended flights to Egypt - have left the country with carry-on luggage.

Cargo jets operated by Russia's Emergency Services Ministry were charged with transporting larger luggage amid fears of a possible attack.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told reporters on Tuesday that after reviewing security footage at the Sharm el-Sheikh airport, the UK decided to ban flights to the airport.

"They looked back on CCTV footage of the search areas and things over the previous couple of days," Hammond said.

"On the basis of what we saw, we decided that we had to stop flying until we'd sorted out, until the Egyptians had sorted it out."

The downed aircraft was claimed as an attack by a Sinai-based militant group affiliated with the self-proclaimed "Islamic State" group.

In September, Russia launched airstrikes against the group in Syria, in a move Western states consider a ploy to bolster Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

EGYPT: Tourism Future Bleak, Drastic Drop In Sharm el-Sheikh Tourism After Russian Jet Crash

After a plane carrying Russian holidaymakers crashed from the sky last month, tour operators rushed to evacuate tourists and suspended flights.

On a balmy evening in Sharm el-Sheikh, Ali despondently surveyed his tiny, mirror-lined shop, its shelves neatly stacked with gold-painted plastic pyramids and dusty bottles of perfume. Later that night, he said, his voice strained, he would carefully lock the door and then board a bus to join his family in Cairo.

He was sad to leave, he told DW quietly, but he simply didn't have a choice: The shy 29-year-old father of two, sporting a luminously green shirt and jeans, hadn't sold a single one of his tacky goods in the last two weeks and couldn't afford to stay in Sharm el-Sheikh, his home for the last two years, any longer.

He'll be joining a steady stream of diving instructors, waiters and pool boys who have left the Red Sea beach resort in recent weeks, ever since a Russian passenger jet carrying 224 people crashed shortly after leaving Sharm el-Sheikh airport on October 31.

The self-proclaimed "Islamic State" has claimed responsibility, saying its militants smuggled a bomb onto the aircraft in a soft drink can.

Britain and Russia, whose nationals make up the bulk of tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh, suspended all flights. On the once busy runway of the small airport, few planes now land, including the odd direct flights from Ukraine and Italy.

Deserted beaches, uncertain future

The impact on Sharm el-Sheikh, a seaside town made up of luxury, all-inclusive beach resorts, restaurants and shopping arcades that was founded to cater to the needs of wealthy foreign tourists, has been devastating - and everyone agreed that this is worst downturn in recent decades, years that have seen the industry recover after previous terrorist attacks and world economic crises.

Many usually heaving beaches are nearly deserted, but for the odd tourist spoilt for choice when it came to deck chairs. One hotel owner said that his occupancy rate was down from the usual 600 to 45.

In the harbor, the bored-looking owner of a small shop selling snacks and drinks dozed behind his counter, while the boats that normally take tourists out for snorkeling and diving tours bobbed in the bay.

Standing on the pier, Ramy Youssry, an outgoing, cheerful 37-year-old with the tan of those who live under the sun all year long, said his diving business could survive another three months. "To be honest, I don't know what will happen after that."

While his two young daughters are delighted to be seeing more of their father during what is normally the high season for sun-deprived Northern Europeans and Russians, Youssry is concerned. He's losing $600 (about 560 euros) a day, and had to send more than half of his employees on an extended holiday.

But, he said, he was hopeful that tourists would return one day. It's only a matter of time, he said, until the memory of the crash has faded and tourists returned.

Government boost?

The government, which relies on tourism revenues as a vital source of foreign currency after years of economic and political instability following the 2011 uprising that ousted former strongman President Hosni Mubarak, is trying to achieve just that.

On a VIP platform overlooking a bustling square decked out in sparkling lights, the governor of South Sinai shouted to make himself heard above the fireworks and din of a Ukrainian band flown in for the occasion by one of the luxury hotels hoping to boost revenue. Tourists decked out in low-cut dresses and impossibly high heels danced to the music, alongside local families pushing their prams.

All was being done, Governor Khaled Fouda said tersely, to send a positive message to the world - and increase security. "We are working closely with our friends to improve security at the airport," he said. Measures would include increased cooperation with foreign countries, such as training security officers. "We understand that our friends are concerned about their citizens and want to guarantee their security. That is why we are cooperating with them."

The government has also started a PR campaign abroad, such as flying a Saudi Arabian delegation to Sharm el-Sheikh, and is attempting to boost domestic tourism.

Fear for Egypt's future

But local tour operators agree that these are mere stop gap measures to keep the industry afloat until flights resume and foreign tourists start streaming back.

At a beach overlooking a picture-perfect turquoise bay, Sciavetia Bruha, a cheerful busty Italian woman, laughed. The flight from Italy had been almost completely empty, she said, but she for one was not scared. "Why should I be? It's beautiful here, the people are friendly, the weather's perfect," she said. She felt perfectly safe, she added, as the friend at her side nodded in agreement.

Ali for one, is praying that more foreigners put their fears behind them - so he can return to his souvenir shop one day. "Before," he said, referring to the plane crash, "everything was perfect. People from all over the world would come to my shop."

He looked forlorn as he glanced around his shop. "I fear for my children's future." After a short pause he added: "And for Egypt's."

RUSSIA: Air Links To Egypt To Remain Cut For Months

'The lights will not be going out in Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada while we are here, ' Sisi said. Sharm al-Sheikh accounts for about 70 per cent of visits by Britons, a major tourism market for Egypt.

Tens of thousands of Russian tourists were still awaiting more flights Tuesday.

In comments that may further anger Egyptian officials, Hammond suggested a few countries have a problem with training and motivation of security staff.

The Metrojet Airbus A321 crashed 23 minutes after taking off from the Sharm al-Sheikh tourist resort killing all 224 people on board, The plane was to arrive in St. Petersburg with mostly Russian passengers.

"We had obviously booked our time off work, packed all our cases, booked the vehicle into the airport auto park and made all the arrangements and it was not until Friday that it said on the website that we would not be flying out", she said.

BRITISH aviation experts analysed security at Sharm el-Sheikh just weeks before the alleged bombing of a Russian airliner but did not raise concerns about safety, a senior Egyptian official has said.

Kremlin's Ivanov added that it would be an impossible task for Egyptian authorities to revamp security within a month, stressing that efforts needed to be taken to bring standards up to a sufficient level.

Last Wednesday, Britain banned all flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh airport, a move followed by Russian Federation over the weekend, over intelligence reports a branch of Isis in the Sinai planted a bomb on the Metrojet plane.

Others said security at the airport had been ramped up significantly, with armed guards on checkpoints outside the main terminal building and three further security checks inside.

More than 25,000 Russian tourists - stranded in the country when Russia suspended flights to Egypt - have left the country with carry-on luggage.

United Kingdom airlines are operating 10-11 passenger flights per day and Russian airlines are operating 20-25 passenger flights per day, the Ministry said.

Derek Moore, chairman of Britain's Association of Independent Tour Operators, said that following the crash "the key to air travel... will be the reputation of particular airports".

The deputy head of Russia's Union of the Tourism Industry, Yuri Barzykin, told Tass on Wednesday that Russian holidaymakers "should not dismiss the idea to relax at home" and should opt to holiday in Russia if they are finding alternatives to Egypt overseas too expensive.

EGYPT: Flights Taking Tourists Away But Bringing Non, Sharm El Sheikh Increasingly Deserted

The warm, turquoise sea glimmers tantalisingly as it laps at sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees and colourful, exotic flowers.

Ordinarily in November, few sun loungers would be unoccupied under the umbrellas that line the shores of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Most would be filled with Russian and British holidaymakers escaping the cold weather at home.

But now most tourists have disappeared.

The beach is empty. It was full until a few days ago but the Russians have all gone.

I feel so sorry for the people,a tourist expresses. "I don't know how the hotels will survive the coming weeks."

Not far away, the bars and clubs of Naama Bay pump out loud music to ever-diminishing numbers of customers. Souvenir sellers and diving tutors sit idle with worried expressions.

"There's no business," bemoans Raed, who runs a store selling Pharaonic knick-knacks - from plastic scarabs to papyrus scrolls - that are usually popular with European visitors.

The resort is increasingly deserted after the plane crash which led the UK, Russia and several other countries to suspend flights here.

All 224 people onboard a Russian charter jet were killed when it came down over the north of the rugged Sinai peninsula on 31 October.

Suspicions that a bomb could have been planted onboard have raised concerns about security at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.

In recent days, airlines have made special arrangements to fly out tens of thousands of passengers - without bringing in new arrivals.

"On a normal basis we would be 90% full right now, everyone would be working and everyone would be happy," says Amr Darwish, an owner of the Terrazzina beach club.

He worries he might have to lay off staff in the near future.

"We don't know when the tourists are going to be able to come back. You can't make a business plan for next week, let alone next month or next year," he adds.

According to the tourism ministry, Egypt stands to lose 2.2bn Egyptian pounds ($280m) a month after the cancellation of flights from Russia and Britain.

Two-thirds of tourists to Sharm el-Sheikh come from these two countries. The destination earns about a third of Egypt's total proceeds from tourism.

It was able to recover from previous shocks, including a series of deadly militant bombings along the Red Sea coast between 2004 and 2006 and a killer shark attack.

In the political turmoil since the 2011 uprising, which overthrew the long-time leader, President Hosni Mubarak, the resort has proven resilient compared to other popular attractions like the Giza Pyramids and Luxor.

Yet with the Egyptian economy still in a fragile state, the effects of the latest setback will be deeply felt.

Workers in Sharm el-Sheikh - from taxi drivers to hotel receptionists - come from across the country and send salaries home. Tourism is a vital source of foreign currency.

"This couldn't have come at a worst time," says Angus Blair of the Signet Institute, a Cairo-based economic think-tank.

"Egypt needs this [resort] economically in terms of employment and foreign exchange revenues.

"It will definitely damage sentiment and lead to problems at the central bank because clearly they're already under stress trying to access foreign currency for trade."

This week a senior Russian official warned it would take "several months, as a minimum" for Russian flights to Sharm el-Sheikh to resume as the investigation into what caused the crash continues.

He said it would be impossible to radically revise Egypt's security system quickly.

Concerns have been raised about baggage scanning procedures and searches at an entry gate for food and fuel for aircraft at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.

There are some hopes that in the short-term, Arab tourists and those from central Europe can be attracted to the resort in greater numbers.

However most business owners accept the reality is that they must brace themselves for another tough period ahead.

"It will take us time to recover but a place like this never dies," says Mr Darwish. "It's a nice resort with great weather. We have the sea, the corals, the desert. It's magical."

The Bournes, visiting from Wales, also believe in the enduring appeal of Sharm el-Sheikh - even though their holiday has been overshadowed by the plane crash which happened a day after they arrived. Their return home has been delayed by at least a day.

"This could happen anywhere, couldn't it?" Jenny Bourne comments stoically.

"I would come back again next year," her husband, Richard, says. "They just need to sort that airport out."

Egypt is counting on other tourists adopting a similar attitude.

EGYPT: Tour Operators Warn They Will Fly Elsewhere Unless Airport Security Is Guaranteed Soon.

Tour operators warn they will have to fly elsewhere unless airport security can be guaranteed soon.

British package holidays directly to Sharm el-Sheikh may not resume until next July unless tour operators receive assurances soon that its airport is secure from infiltration by jihadists.

Travel companies have warned that if a verdict on the safety of is not reached by the end of this month, they will need to divert next season’s flights to other destinations.

That would leave British travellers unable to visit a popular sun spot and strike a major blow to the Egyptian economy, which relies heavily on British tourism.

It is unlikely the UK government will be able to reach a decision by the travel industry’s end-of-November deadline, and Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, has said that flights may remain suspended until Christmas.

The uncertainty is fuelled by the fact that Egypt’s authorities have still not established whether or not an operative of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) smuggled a bomb on to the Russian airliner that crashed nine days ago, killing all 224 aboard.

Investigators have reportedly interrogated 18 airport managers and workers but have made no arrests and still do not know if there is a mole among the staff.

Eight British flights left yesterday carrying around 2,000 passengers. Some 15,000 Britons are still in the resort, of which 3,000 were supposed to be home already.

The British airlift is dwarfed by the Russian repatriation, which is seeing more than 20 flights taking 4,800 passengers out of Sharm el-Sheikh every day.

John Casson, Britain’s ambassador to Egypt, denied suggestions that Russia’s operations were slowing down the return flights of UK tourists.

Tourists enjoy the sea at Sharm el-Sheikh

Mr Casson added that the UK was confident British travellers could fly safely through other Egyptian airports.

It emerged, meanwhile, that holiday operators are selling packages to hotels within striking distance of the heartland of the Isil-affiliated group suspected of targeting the Russian airliner.

Websites including lastminute.com are offering holidays to Taba Heights, Egypt, for departures this week, even though the British government has been advising against all but essential travel to areas around the resort since last year.

Three tourists died in a suicide bombing in Taba last year. Hundreds of local civilians and troops have been killed in attacks.

However, Lastminute.com is offering a 10-night break at the Hilton Taba Resort Hotel and British visitors are known to currently be at the resort.

Recent reviews of Taba written by British tourists on TripAdvisor suggest they had no idea that it was in a danger zone.

One, Mike C from Chester, who stayed in April this year, said that “UK airlines don’t fly to Taba for some reason any more, so you get a bus or taxi from Sharm which can add to the occasion.”

Eight more flights are expected to leave Sharm el-Sheikh today to bring home British holidaymakers.

Tourists flying home at the weekend complained that there was still chaos at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.

Marc Standen, 28, a car salesman from Westgate, Kent, said: “They did a semi-pat down inside and we took our shoes off. I don’t think it was very thorough. Their security is terrible and they are completely overwhelmed.”

Bags taken on board were not checked adequately, he said, and at one point around 400 people tried to squeeze through two glass doors to get to a final security check, leaving some hurt as they got trampled.

He added: “We have left our two bags behind in a pile in the middle of the terminal, and I honestly don’t know if we will see them again.”

In a nutshell:
The Foreign Office (FCO) says there is a high threat from terrorism, but only advises against travel to certain areas
How many people does the FCO advice affect?
The 900,000 British nationals who visit Egypt every year
Out of bounds areas:
The FCO has advised against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai
Only travel if absolutely necessary to:
Governorate of South Sinai (excluding Sharm el Sheikh); the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions; all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh airport
The areas currently deemed safe:
The Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh. This includes the tourist areas along the Nile river (including Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings) and the Red Sea Resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada

EGYPT: British Tourists Frustration,As Thomson Air Avoids Missile By 1000 Feet

There were angry scenes in Sharm el-Sheikh, as thousands of anxious Britons, who had also hoped to fly home, were sent back to their hotels after Egypt blocked several other repatriation flights.

"I think a lot of people will question whether they ever want to go to Egypt again," Emma Turner, a 34-year-old from southeast England, said after arriving back in London.

Thomson flight with 189 passengers on board had to avoid a military missile when landing at Sharm el-Sheikh airport just over two months ago, as it emerges US intercepted 'intelligence chatter' of Isil jihadis 'celebrating' downed Russian jet

Those who did get home were withering about the organization of their repatriation back in Egypt.

“Absolute shambles, it is mayhem there,” a tourist said.

Passengers returning home from Sharm el-Sheikh are painting a horrendous picture of the security – or lack of it – at the airport.

Ben Khosravi, 27, who was on another easyJet flight which landed at London Luton, described screening process.

Quote The security at Sharm was horrendous - we had friends with lighters in their pockets, people were patting you down but not asking you to get anything out, bottles of water being passed through.

It was quite worrying how easy you could get through - you could pay people money to fast track it."

Money changed hands at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.

A rather alarming tweet appearing to show money changing hands at Sharm el-Sheikh airport as tourists are desperate to get home.

A British jet packed with holidaymakers had to “evade” an Egyptian missile in what the Department for Transport described as an incident just over two months ago.

According to one report, the missile came within 1,000 feet of a Thomson flight with 189 passengers on board.

Thomson said the incident was not a cause for concern, while the DfT said the flight was not the victim of a terrorist attack, adding that the incident was probably connected to routine exercises being carried out by the Egyptian military.

A Thomson plane is reprted to have come ?within 1,000ft? of a rocket as it approached Sharm El Sheikh

But given there are strict protocols designed to keep civilian aircraft away from such military exercises, it remained unclear how the Thomson flight found itself in that position.

Details of what appears to have been a near miss emerged as evidence mounted that the Russian Metrojet flight was brought down by a bomb.

Analysis of information on the flight data recorder – or black box – revealed there was an explosion 24 minutes into the flight.

Intelligence had provided further evidence that terrorists were responsible for the Metrojet crash which killed 224 people.

What was described as “chatter” between Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) leaders in Raqqa, Syria and jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula included a boast that they had taken down the aircraft.

Meanwhile in Sharm el-Sheikh, progress in bringing back British tourists was slow, with only eight of the 29 evacuation flights being allowed to land.

John Casson, Britain’s ambassador to Egypt, bore much of the frustration and anger voiced by UK holidaymakers who had been trapped at the Red Sea resort.

Those who did get back spoke of chaotic scenes at Sharm el-Sheikh airport with some claiming that they had to pay bribes to avoid lengthy security queues.

More flights are due to arrive on Saturday to continue the evacuation of around 20,000 British tourists who have been trapped at Sharm el-Sheikh.

British tourists face continued frustration at Sharm el-Sheikh.

There were angry scenes in Sharm el-Sheikh, as thousands of anxious Britons, who had also hoped to fly home, were sent back to their hotels after Egypt blocked several other repatriation flights.

"I think a lot of people will question whether they ever want to go to Egypt again," Emma Turner, a 34-year-old from southeast England, said after arriving back in London.

Those who did get home were withering about the organization of their repatriation back in Egypt.

“Absolute shambles, it is mayhem there,” one tourist said

EGYPT: Egypt Big Plans To Boost Tourism Halted By Metrojet Air Crash

Egypt had launched festivities, archaeological openings and a new tourism campaign to draw much-needed foreign visitors. But with many flights to Red Sea resorts grounded Thursday amid suspicion that a bomb brought down a Russian airliner, hopes for a recovery were fading.

Egyptians, who depend on the key sector, were keeping a brave face even as some stranded tourists grew angry and tour operators bristled over possible cancellations.

The cause of Saturday's crash of a Metrojet flight packed with Russian tourists is still under investigation, but British Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "more likely than not" that a bomb brought down the flight. All 224 people on board were killed.

Cameron grounded all British flights to and from the Sinai Peninsula, stranding thousands of tourists, citing "intelligence" information. Germany's Lufthansa Group announced Thursday it was also suspending flights to and from the main Red Sea resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, joining other carriers in halting flights in the aftermath of the disaster.

Descending into the tomb of a pharaonic viceroy opened to the public for the first time in the ancient city of Luxor, Antiquities Minister Mamdouh Eldamaty said: "It is very sad what happened, but we have to wait on the result of the investigation."

"It was not a terror act, it was an accident," he added, voicing the official narrative that many Egyptians in tourism-dependent areas like Luxor and Sharm el-Sheikh have clung to.

A night earlier, a gala dinner in Luxor celebrated the anniversary of the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb, with speakers reassuring patrons that Egyptian tourism was poised for growth. As the Cairo Opera's ballet troupe danced across a stage in pharaonic costumes, no mention was made of the crash, the proverbial elephant looming over the four-course meal served in front of the brightly lit Hatshepsut temple.

Security was beefed up at Sharm el-Sheikh's airport, where dozens of additional policemen patrolled halls that earlier in the day were full of stranded travelers, but later emptied out as vacationers sought new accommodations.

Some British tourists clashed with Sharm el-Sheikh hotel staff as tensions rose over delayed flights, a dearth of information from carriers and additional costs tacked on to budget vacation packages.

"Because English people are frustrated and upset, they are taking it out on the staff here, which is not fair," said Briton Emma Smyth, who said she witnessed one British family object loudly to extra charges.

"They said they should be allowed to stay and with that one man grabbed one of the managers — they ripped his shirt, ripped his name-badge off and everything," she said, adding that despite the delays and lack of information, she and her party were not concerned about their safety.

Paul Modley, a Briton who has travelled to Sharm el-Sheikh seven times in the last nine years, said he understood his government's decision to suspend flights as a precaution, but hopes the resort he stayed at is not too badly affected.

"The staff at the hotel is putting on a very positive face," he said. "I do not think they will fully appreciate it right now, but if this carries on for some time they will start to see the impact."

Tourism, which represents 11 percent of Egypt's economy and almost 20 percent of crucial foreign currency revenues, is making a gradual recovery after years of political upheaval since the 2011 popular uprising that deposed longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak,

However, its future could be grim if it is proven that an Islamic State bomb brought down the Russian passenger plane. In a northern corner of Sinai, the army is fighting Islamic militants who claim allegiance to the Islamic State group, and such a revelation would undermine President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's assertion that the insurgency is under control and Egypt is safe for tourists.

The sector was looking to re-launch itself on the world stage this week with a multimillion dollar promotional campaign highlighting the country's history and all-year-rounding sun-worshipping opportunities, primarily in and around Sharm el-Sheikh.

At the World Travel Market at London's Excel Exhibition Centre, Egypt's Pharaoh boat-shaped pavilion was one of the biggest and certainly one of the most eye-catching.

Morsi Shehata, general manager of Cairo-based Spring Tours Egypt, which organizes beach vacations in Sharm el-Sheikh and has 12 Nile cruise boats, said the British government's decision will undoubtedly hurt his business.

"All this has actually caused a panic among the tourists," he said, speaking at the tourism fair, which he had hoped would bring a fresh start after the years of upheaval following Mubarak's ouster.

"Of course there are some worries now," said Shehata, whose company has put up about 65 of its British clients in a Sharm el-Sheikh hotel as they await news on how they can return home.

Meanwhile in Luxor, the show went on, with antiquities authorities opening three 3,000-year-old New Kingdom tombs in hopes of revitalizing the Egyptology craze that has weathered wars, colonialism, and even terrorism in the past.

The most significant tomb was that of Huy, Viceroy of Kush under the famed King Tutankhamun. Inside the tomb, wall paintings depict a great festival with Nubian subjects giving tributes of gold and animal pelts to confirm Egypt's then-domination.

Elsewhere in the famed Valley of the Kings, a new exploration was scanning King Tutankhamun's tomb in hopes of discovering a new chamber.

British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves, in Luxor for the scanning, speculated it could conceal two unexplored doorways, one of which might lead to the tomb of Queen Nefertiti, famous since her bust was discovered in 1912.

Eldamaty, the antiquities minister, said infrared thermography would be used to scan the tomb overnight, with another scan at the end of the month and results released by the end of the year. But he said he doubts Reeves' theory that Nefertiti's tomb lies within.

"We will scan to find what is behind the burial chamber," he said. "I agree with him that we will find something — but not Nefertiti, maybe another grand lady."

UNITED KINGDOM: British Tourists Stranded at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport

As thousands of British tourists remain stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh, Prime Minister David Cameron says it is ''more likely than not'' that a terrorist bomb brought down a Russian airliner which flew from the resort.

A British team is working to improve security at Sharm el-Sheikh airport, in the hope that some flights will resume on Friday.

EGYPT: 20000 Britsh travellers Affected By Suspension Of Flights To Sharm El Sheik

The suspension of flights in and out of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt after the crash of a Russian airliner will affect around 20,000 British travellers who are in the Red Sea resorts of the Sinai peninsula, according to Downing Street.

The UK foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, said his government is now advising against all but essential travel through Sharm el-Sheikh airport in Egypt as there is a “significant possibility” that the Airbus that crashed over the Sinai on Saturday, killing all 224 people on board, was brought down by an explosion on board.

The remarks were the strongest yet by an official on the cause of the crash. US officials have also suggested a bomb was planted on the plane by Islamic State (Isis) or an Isis affiliate, according to several media reports citing unnamed sources.

Two US officials and one European official said that intelligence reporting is leaning toward terrorism as a cause of the crash, but cautioned there was no conclusive proof yet.

The unilateral decision to delay the flights comes as David Cameron and Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, the Egyptian president, are due to hold talks in Downing Street.

Both Egypt and Russia have downplayed suggestions that the crash is linked to terrorism and dismissed claims of responsibility by an Islamist group in Sinai. Egypt’s foreign minister attacked the UK’s suspension of flights as a “premature and unwarranted” step which would damage his country’s tourism industry.

The British government flew additional consular staff to Sharm on Wednesday to help holidaymakers who might be stranded following its decision to halt all flights to the UK pending security checks at the airport.

EasyJet, Thomson Airways, Thomas Cook and British Airways were among companies cancelling all flights to and from the Red Sea resort, following the Foreign Office warning against “all but essential” travel.

Travel agents with customers in the Red Sea resorts said they were talking to the Foreign Office to assess the situation for holidaymakers.

“We are liaising with the UK government about the halt to flights in and out of Sharm el-Sheikh airport and how we can assist our members and customers in resort, or those due to travel out,” said a spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta). “We will provide further updates when they are available.”

The plane had taken off from Sharm el-Sheikh early on Saturday morning and disappeared from the radar about 25 minutes later, at around 6.20am local time. Everyone on board was killed.

The UK has intervened despite playing no part in the crash’s official investigation committee, which is formed from representatives from Ireland, Russia, France and Germany. Ireland later followed the UK’s lead and suspended flights to the same airport.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “We recognise that this information may cause concern for those in Sharm and indeed for those planning to travel to Sharm in the coming days.

“We have deployed extra consular staff to Sharm who will be on hand at the airport, working with the airlines, to assist British holidaymakers there. For others, either in resorts at Sharm or planning a holiday to Sharm in the coming days, our advice is to contact your airline or tour operator.”

An Abta spokesperson said: “Most insurance policies will still provide cover for holidaymakers in a country at the time of FO advice change.

“Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours to Sharm el-Sheikh are advised to contact their travel company to discuss their options. If you have booked a package you will be entitled to a refund or alternative holiday.

“If you are not travelling within the next 48 hours you will need to check with your travel company as to what your options are and follow their advice.

“Those people with bookings beyond this are advised to wait until closer to the departure date to contact their travel company as the situation is reviewed.”

EasyJet said it had cancelled flights and would keep future services “under review pending further advice from the government”.

“Passengers booked to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh in the next two weeks are able to request a refund, or change their flights to an alternative date or destination free of charge. We are doing all possible to keep all affected passengers informed and have provided hotel rooms for those delayed overnight on Wednesday evening. We are working with the UK government to work out the basis upon which easyJet can fly passengers in Sharm el-Sheikh back home.”

Thomson Airways, along with First Choice, confirmed it has cancelled all outbound flights to Sharm el-Sheikh up to and including Thursday 12 November. A statement said: “All customers booked to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh in this period will be provided with a full refund. As a priority we are contacting customers due to travel tomorrow and ask those travelling later in the week to please bear with us as we manage this evolving situation.” Others who flew to Sharm on a flight-only basis should call the airline, Thomson said.

British Airways said flights to and from the resort would probably be delayed by 24 hours. A spokesman said: “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority. We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.” Customers affected were advised to contact the airline.

Thomas Cook said it had cancelled all flights until Thursday of next week. It hoped to bring its 1,700 customers back to the UK “in due course” and those due to fly this Thursday would be allowed to stay in their accommodation for free; while those due to fly in the next week would be allowed to cancel or rebook with a discount, the firm said.

Monarch said it had grounded all flights and was working with the FO to arrange to fly its customers back to the UK.

Terry Wylde, 35, from Newham in east London was among the British tourists currently stuck in Sharm el Sheikh. He said: “We have had no information from our Thomas Cook tour representatives even just to give an update. But it is important they put safety first. We’re currently due to fly back on Friday afternoon and were not too concerned about it just yet.”

Mohammed Sami, general manager of the Coral Sea Sensatori, one of Sharm el-Sheikh’s largest resorts, said the move had created uncertainty for holidaymakers.

“We can’t tell what will happen tomorrow,” he said. “If guests are not flying home then either us as the hotel or the tour operators will have to find a way for guests to be accommodated. We will not leave them without accommodation.”

He said some British guests left on Wednesday, but he did not know if they had made it out on flights before they stopped. British guests make up the large majority of the customers in his 470-room hotel. He said he was “surprised” at the UK government’s decision “because Sharm is a pretty safe city”.

“We have no clear information saying they found particular concerns at the airport or in the destination,” he said.

Back in the UK, Londoner Susan Baker was due to flight to Sharm el-Sheikh tomorrow with easyjet and was trying to get word from the airline about what would happen.

“I have never wanted to go before. I just needed a break and found a few flights, but at the same time I don’t live my life being dictated by a bomb, if it was, or terrorists.”

One British holidaymaker in Egypt tweeted: “So flights have been suspended from Sharm el-Sheikh. We fly back in two days’ time. However security is more important than a missed flight.”