Egypt will open its borders from July 1 after the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted it a safe travel stamp. The country received approval on Saturday, after its consistent effort towards adopting health and hygiene standards. Egypt will open its three provinces as the country attempts to limit the economic impact of the pandemic on tourism.
“The WTTC has approved Egypt’s regulations for resuming international tourism. This decision reflects Egypt’s commitment to the safe resumption of inbound tourism with strict, comprehensive hygiene measures starting from July 1,” Xinhua quoted Egypt’s tourism Minister Khalen al-Nany.
The minister added that the country would open the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh Provinces, given their lower infection rates. However, other popular tourist destinations like Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor will open gradually.
The tourism sector accounts for a significant amount of revenue for the country, raking in $13 billion last year. However, the nation suspended air travel and closed tourist destinations on March 19, leading to a loss of $5 billion in revenue.
The country is slowly reopening its destinations for local tourists. Currently, 232 hotels have safety certificates to resume operations.
The WTTC safe travel stamp approves destinations for tourism and travel based on WHO and CDC safety guidelines.
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