Improvement in tourism sees Egypt's retired tour guides return

CAIRO – 14 January 2018: A come back by retired Egyptian tour guides to the industry is witnessed after an increase influx in tourism, reflected in the rise of inbound tourists to the country.

The head of the tour guide syndicate in Aswan, Seif El-Din, declared that the percentage of tour guides who left this profession due to the depression in Egypt’s tourism sector after the 25 January Revolution reached 50 percent. However, this season saw a return of around 10 percent of tour guides to the sector.

He added that tourism in Aswan increased by 20 percent in comparison to last year.

El- Din also responded to allegations that tour guides take advantage of tourists by overcharging them, explaining that tour guides are committed to specific standards set by the Ministry of Tourism and tourism companies. Moreover, commission rates are universally recognized and does not exceed 15 percent.

Also, El-Din revealed that although a lot of bazaar owners accused tour guides of dealing with them to earn a commission from visiting tourists, Egyptian tour guides are innocent of all these accusations.

He added that guides abide by the rules and norms because any complaints against hired tour guides or negative impressions by tourists would gravely affect the industry. In cases where an accusation is proven, the management retires the tour guide instantly.