Investors criticise Egypt's handling of tourism industry

Tourism investors have criticised the ignorance of the Egyptian government’s handling of the industry in the Sinai Peninsula, incuding Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab.

Taba and Nuweiba airports closed last May because of the destructive floods which destroyed the main roads leading to the airports as well as parts of the airports themselves.

Sami Suleiman, head of the Nuweiba and Taba Investors Association, said that these cities are suffering from complete isolation from the world because of the closure of the roads and the airports through which the visitors arrive. He called for the reconstruction of the airports and the roads.

He also called for the Egyptian government to reactivate the free industrial zone in Nuweiba, which is about two million square metres, in addition to the Nuweiba Seaport.

Suleiman noted that many tourism projects are failing and electricity suppliers are suspending supplies for projects because bills remain unpaid.

Mihrim Hilal, deputy of the Egyptian Syndicate of Investors Associations, said that millions of pounds, which were invested in Nuweiba and Taba, are being wastes.

A number of hotel owners have been detained because they are unable to settle their debts to the banks and other parties.

Egyptian income from tourism has decreased from $10 billion in 2012 to $5.9 billion last year – a reduction of 41 per cent.