Red Sea hotels prepare for Eid

CAIRO – 15 June 2017: In preparation for Eid el-Fitr, hotels in Egypt’s tourist spots, especially along the Red Sea, are getting ready to receive Egyptian holidaymakers and Arab travelers, who are expected to raise the occupancy rate to more than 90 percent this year.

With a drop in international tourism, Red Sea hotels are looking forward to domestic tourism, especially in Hurghada and Gouna.

Bashar Abu Taleb, head of the Red Sea Tourist Guides, stated that Eid is usually a high working season since most hotels in the Red Sea area get fully booked.

“Hurghada in particular attracts most visitors as it is closer to Marsa Allam and Al Koseer. Hurghada also receives those who cannot afford to go to expensive hotels during high season holidays,” Abu Taleb said.

Mohamed Gamal, a hotel manager in Hurghada, said that Gouna and Sahl Hashish have the highest occupancy rates during holidays. “Those who visit Gouna and Sahl Hashish belong to the upper class, like ministers and businessmen, who can afford their high rates. A Gouna hotel could cost LE 3,000 a night, especially at holiday rates,” Gamal said.

He added that the hotels second in occupancy rates are those with water games and aqua parks, noting that on vacations, parents always want areas with the most fun for their children. According to Gamal, “These hotels charge from LE 800 to 1000 a night.”
Travelers to Hurghada have many entertainment options. They may stay at hotels with a sea view or go on cruises to islands to see reefs, fish and dolphins. Divers’ trips are also organized.

Dr. Ahmed Ghalab, Director of the Red Sea Reserves, said that the Red Sea has 39 islands in the governorate. “Al-Jiftun is one of the islands where touristic activities are authorized. Ashraf Saad, director of a travel agency organizing daily trips to the island, stated that “during Eid el-Fitr, there is always a demand for safari trips and cruises to marine islands, since both are fun for families, and most Eid visitors are families with young children.”