‘Hurghadians’ can’t help but return to their second home

CAIRO - 16 November 2017: Attracting thousands of travelers every year, Hurghada seems to cast a spell on tourists as one of Egypt’s leading holiday destinations. Some visitors are so attached to Hurghada’s magnetic charms that they can’t help but to keep coming back.

Michel Van Haarlem, a member of the “Hurghadians” Facebook page, is a Dutch citizen with an Egyptian heart. His story with Egypt began 14 years ago when he visited Safaga for the first time.


Photo of Michel Van Haarlem, a Dutch tourist practices diving in El Gouna, Hughada - Facebook homepage travelogue

“From the first trip, I fell in love with Egypt and its people, and I felt that this is my second home. I can still feel the same excitement every time I book a ticket to Egypt, even though I have now visited this beautiful country many times over the past years,” Van Haarlem told Egypt Today enthusiastically.

Van Haarlem spent all his holidays moving between Egyptian cities, such as Luxor, Sakkara, Cairo, Qena, Aswan, Esna, Edfu, El Gouna and the apple of his eye – Hurghada.


Photo of Michel Van Haarlem on board of an air hot balloon, Hurghada, Egypt - Facebook homepage travelogue

As a Hurghadian, Van Haarlem told Egypt Today Magazine, “El Gouna is also one of my favorite places. I go there mainly for diving. I am now in Holland, but I was in Egypt three weeks ago for a Nile cruise, which is really amazing, and I have a lot of nice memories. It was an amazing experience and we are contemplating to do it next year.”

Speaking of the Egyptians’ warm reception, Van Haarlem said, “When my friends ask me what is so special about Egypt, the answer is easy: the friendly people who always wear a smile on their faces; their generous reception, even though they don’t have much as we have in Europe; let alone the amazing diving sites, the ravishing nature, and the monuments and archaeological sites.”

Van Haarlem concluded by saying, “I will always support Egypt till the last day of my life. Because ‘Ana behabik ya Masr’ (I love you Egypt).”


Photo of Michel Van Haarlem, a Dutch tourist visits Luxor, Egypt - Hurghadians Facebook page

Another example of a tourist deeply attached to Hurghada is Alice Matthiesen, also a member of the Hurghadians Facebook page. She is a German athlete and sports model.

“This country gives me so much great moments and feelings. We as Hurghadians want to show the beautiful sides of this country. Thanks to Egypt, Hurghada and the people who give me an unforgettable holiday,” said Matthiesen on the Hurghadians Facebook page.

Hurghada is one of Egypt's leading holiday resorts, popular with visitors from around the world. It is the perfect getaway for those seeking total relaxation with fantastic weather and warm sea temperatures throughout the year. The city is fast growing into a major holiday resort, packed full of attractions, and it has a growing reputation as an international destination for visitors from all corners of the globe.


Photo of Michel Van Haarlem, flying in an airship, Hurghada, Egypt - Facebook homepage travelogue

Hurghada became an international center for aquatic sports. This is the perfect place to practice your favorite sea sport, whether windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, or above all, snorkeling and diving.

The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare types of fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats.