The
TourismDepartment of Egyptian Embassy in Moscow
reports about Prime Minister’s decision to cancel visa fee for group tourists
traveling to Egypt
from June, 1 to August, 31, 2012. It’s reported that such offer was made within
the government’s attempts to increase the inbound flow to Egypt.
The
spokesperson of Russian Union for Travel Industry (RUTI) Irina Tyurina told RIA
News that Egypt gradually resumes its inbound flow, and the cancellation of
visa fee should be encourage when we speak about country’s promotion. “Of
course tourists stopped traveling to Egypt not because of 15$ visa fee.
Peaceful atmosphere in the country and at resorts is more important”, -
believes Mrs. Tyurina.
The
Business Development Director of TEZ tour Alexandr Burtin welcomed the decision
of Egypt’s
government. He explained that grouped tourists are considered to be those who
bought vouchers from tour operators. “We always stand for simplifying visa
formalities. We hope Russians will come back to Egypt after the instable period
passes by”, - he said.
Within
the overture of inbound flow increase, on Tuesday Egypt
installed a visa free regime for Algeria,
Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan,
Turkey, China, India
and Azerbaijan
which are considered to be non-traditional markets for this country. As with Russia, visa free regime is valid only for
grouped travelers which are at the hands of travel agents when staying in Egypt.
In
2011 the tourist flow to Egypt
reduced by 33% if compared to 2012 and counted up to 9.8 million people, 1.45
million of which were Russians. Following the results of 2012, the country is
to accept more than three million guests from Russia.
