Egypt looks forward to return of Chinese tourism

Visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met on Wednesday with representatives of mega Chinese tourism companies, said presidential spokesman Ambassador Alaa Youssef.
President Sisi welcomed the heads of the Chinese tourism companies who came from remote provinces to meet him and assured them about the safety of Egypt's tourist destinations.
He also praised the friendly relations binding the two countries, noting that Egypt and its people are showing big respect and appreciation for the Chinese state and people.
The Egyptian president also asserted that Egypt enjoys stable climate on the political and security sides, voicing hope over increasing the Chinese tourism movement to Egypt in the coming phase.
Sisi also shed light on the efforts exerted by the Egyptian government on all fronts to lure more tourists to Egypt and offer them best services along with establishing new tourist cities.
Meanwhile, the Chinese tourism minister welcomed the Egyptian president and thanked him for his keenness on meeting with the Chinese tourism operators.
He voiced appreciation for Egypt and its old civilization and unique heritage.
The minister said Beijing is seeking to bolster tourism cooperation with Egypt, especially after the initiative of reviving the Silk Road.
He said China is fully ready to cooperate with Egypt in promoting for its tourist attractions. President Sisi, on his part, said Cairo will further facilitate the travel visas for Chinese tourists.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade and Industry Mounir Fakhri Abdel Nour said Egypt's tourism revenues are representing 11 percent of its GDP, noting that Cairo is willing to attract a large number 120 million Chinese tourists who travel around the world each year.
The Chinese tourism companies heads also asked the Egyptian side to consider operating direct flights between Chinese provinces and main Egyptian tourist destinations at competitive prices.