Explore reports lack of tourists in Egypt

Adventure travel specialist Explore is urging clients to return to Egypt following the country’s recent political unrest.

The operator is offering £100 discounts on all Egyptian tours booked by March 10, for travel in 2011.

Its Egypt product manager Alison Harding, currently in the country, reported a welcoming and safe atmosphere, but said there was a distinct lack of tourists.

“I visited the Valley of the Kings today and saw just 20 people at an attraction that normally welcomes over 8,000 a day,” she said.

“Even more surreal was my visit to Tutankhamun’s tomb, no one else was there, I had my very own private encounter with this famous mummy.”

The first Explore tour back to Egypt will depart on March 19, when a full programme will start up again.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian people are also doing their bit to win back visitors, with Facebook pages such as ‘Come back to Egypt’.

Explore MD Ashley Toft said: “After overthrowing their government in February, the Egyptians are united in one more goal – to get visitors back to their beautiful country. We hope that our £100 discounts will go someway to support their efforts.”