Protests and Violence in Egypt Affecting Tourism

The riots and protests that broke out last week in Egypt have caused unrest in the country, causing many travelers to cut their trips short or cancel them altogether. But the violence erupting in the country are not only causing social and political problems, but it's also affecting tourism and the economy. According to an article from MSNBC, the event is raising concerns of widespread affects, with problems trickling over into other Middle Eastern countries. It's an understandable concern, since many travelers have decided to cancel their vacations, tour groups are avoiding Egypt, airlines are stopping flights into Cairo and thousands of U.S. citizens are evacuating the country.

It couldn't be happening at a worse time, as this is high season for tourism in Egypt. Tourism is a major industry for Egypt, with 300,000 visitors coming in every year--and that's just from the United States. With more and more Cruises evading Egypt on their routes, and tour groups opting not to visit, investors are growing concerns that it will spread elsewhere. In fact, Dubai's stock market index fell 4% Sunday, while Kuwait fell 2% and Qatar, 3%. With the prospect of the Suez Canal closing, oil prices spiked, causing even more issues for tankers and large boats.

As far as the U.S. tourists, students and residents over in Egypt, many of them are deciding to head home, despite some strong desires to stay. The Today Show spoke to many people who live in the country, and they say that even with their established lives there, it seems smart to leave. Hundreds of tourists were held up in their hotels, nervous to walk the streets. Students studying abroad were less worried about getting hurt than their families at home, which was the main reason for many of them evacuating. At first, there was not much concern for their safety, but over the weekend as things escalated, it seemed the Egyptian government would be unable to protest foreign travelers, as it can barely manage itself. 

The Middle East's troubles have always been an issue, especially with the violence in Egypt occurring after events in Yemen, Lebanon and Tunisia. But even with past terrorist attacks and turmoil, tourism has always managed to bounce back, because people still want to see those parts of the world. No matter what, tourists will continue to venture over to Egypt to see the Pyramids and sail the Nile River.

Since it is unknown, however, how long the political upheaval will last, it's safe to assume that travel to Egypt will take a huge beating over the next few months. Travel agencies across the U.S. are predicting that anyone who has a trip planned there will probably attempt to cancel, and there will be very few inquiries about vacations there this year.

With any luck, the riots and protests will fizzle out over the next couple weeks, the country will figure out a peaceful solution to their problems, and people can return to their lives. I certainly hope that things improve quickly, as Egypt is one of the places on my list I want to visit. Then again, it should all be resolved by the time I have enough money and vacation days to go. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Deal of the Week

Time again for the deal of the week. This was a tough decision, because there were at least four deals I thought were pretty good. But, alas, I had to narrow it down.

And the winner is.....

6 NIGHT EGYPT VACATION WITH NILE CRUISE AND FLIGHTS FOR $1299!!!

Who wouldn't want to see the Pyramids of Egypt or sail along the Nile River? This package gives you that option for a decent price. While the title says 6 nights, it's actually an 8 day package, but that includes flying over from the U.S. But for this price, I'd say it's worth it.

The deal from Gate 1 Travel includes roundtrip airfare to Cairo from New York--options for other departure cities can be inquired about through the website or over the phone,--intra-Egypt flights, 6 nights first class accomodations (2 nights at the Oasis Hotel in Cairo, 3 nights MS Queen of Hansa Nile cruise, 1 night Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino), all transfers, 12 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners--all meals on the cruise), sightseeing, and an English speaking Egyptologist tour guide throughout the trip.

The only downfall of this trip is its limited travel days, April 13, 20 & 27 and May 4 & 11, but luckily prices on surrounding dates are only a couple hundred dollars more. To book this deal, you can either call 800-682-3333 and ask for this package using the promo code TZEG150, or you can go online to their website and use the same code when prompted. But hurry! You have to book by Febuary 3!


The Runner-Up this week...

NEW ZEALAND 'SUMMER' FARES, WITH TAHITI GETAWAY $1253

Let's face it, flights to Australia and New Zealand are pretty pricey. So when a deal like this comes up, it's almost too good to pass up. Bonus? Three free nights at a Tahitian hotel! Sold!

Thanks to Air Tahiti Nui, you can visit New Zealand in the summer--their summer--and get a free stop-over in Tahiti and have a choice between the 4-star Hilton Tahiti, Sofitel Tahiti or Radisson Tahiti for accomodations. You can stop in Tahiti on either leg of your journey, heading there or going back. Travel dates are any time through May, but you have to book by February 1.

One negative--no accomodations provided in New Zealand. But who cares? You're in New Zealand!!!!




P.S. For anyone who is curious, the other two contenders in this competition were a Mediterranean Cruise and a week in St. Maarten. Check them out!