Egypt increasing hotel occupancy rate to 70%

Egypt is set to increase hotel and entertainment venue occupancy rates by almost a quarter as the country continues with the phased reopening of its vital tourism sector, Report informs referring to Hotel & Catering News Middle East.

Hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and theatres can raise capacity from 50 percent to 70 percent occupancy, Egypt’s cabinet said in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Egypt lifted its initial ban on inbound tourist traffic 12 months ago and has been reopening its tourism market in phases so that it can assess health and safety precautions designed to stem the spread of COVID-19.

In one year, Egypt has managed to recover visitor numbers. Since July 2020, some 4 million people have visited Egypt, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The ministry says it expects visitor numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels by autumn 2022.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt Khaled El-Enany said that Egypt’s tourism reopening strategy “is on track” and that the country was able to increase occupancy rates because it closely followed a plan that focused on a cautious reopening.

“Strict hygiene safety measures, vaccinating all hospitality staff in several governates and by closely monitoring our hotels and venues, we have been able to reopen safely,” he noted.

Following Egypt’s efforts to introduce preventive measures, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted the country its Safe Travel Stamp, sealing its status as a safe destination.

Inbound travelers must undertake a PCR test, and the country is also checking all vaccination certificates on entry.