Egyptian hotels to begin on Nov. 1 charging minimum price per night set by government

CAIRO – 31 October 2021: Egyptian hotels and resorts will begin Monday charging the minimum price per night set by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The minimum price per night at five-star and four-star hotels are $40 and $28, respectively. Those prices include VAT, and will constitute the base for taxation.

The ministry had given hotels a 6-month period to prepare for implementing the decision aimed at enhancing the service offered to guests.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled al-Anany stated in a phone-in July that the number of tourists flowing into Egypt monthly has been 500,000 for the previous four months, except for June where the figure recorded is 550,000.  

The minister added that 60 percent of tourism to Egypt comes from Europe; however, there is a slowdown now because of restrictions on travel due to COVID-19. He revealed that he has been to Germany two weeks ago negotiating allowing travel to resort towns but the German side insisted that no exceptions can be made.

On the other hand, Anany noted that the number of tourists from other countries – that were not major exporters of tourists to Egypt - has risen. That is attributed to the cheap prices in Egypt and granting free of charge tourist visas as well as offering attractive aviation packages.

The minister pointed out that the number of Arab tourists, particularly Saudis, visiting Egypt has been rising. He added that more Russians have also been visiting Cairo.

Speaking of domestic tourism, their main destinations are Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada. Of course, many head to the North Coast but it does not count because it almost has no hotels given that it was initially planned to house compounds exclusively. The handful hotels there are very expensive given they are five or seven stars, and because customers mainly show up in summer solely.