Egypt's Ambassador in Moscow says 'Return of Russian tourists to have positive impact on Egyptian economy'

CAIRO - 9 August 2020: Egyptian Ambassador in Moscow Ehab Nasr said Monday that the return of Russian tourists to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada will have a positive impact on the national economy.

Speaking to "Good Morning Egypt" show on the Egyptian TV, Nasr said that tourism overlaps with all production sectors.

Rebounding tourism will necessarily translate into a revival in related sectors, the diplomat noted, adding this should contribute to creating new jobs especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nasr added that Egypt had organized visits for a Russian medical delegation to the Red Sea resort cities of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada to see for themselves quarantine measures applied at airports and tourist facilities.

The delegates were pleased with the security and precautionary measures, he said.

Nasr made the statements as three flights are expected to land in Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada later today carrying Russian tourists to the Red Sea cities. 

Last week, Russian Ambassador in Cairo Georgiy Borisenko, said, that Moscow is assured, the Egyptian authorities have enhanced all needed security measures at airports and resorts.

In an article published by Russian Sputnik news agency he wished Russians ‘a safe and comfortable stay’ during their visit.

However, Russia is convinced that in recent years, airports and resorts in Egypt have greatly enhanced security, Borisenko said.

He added that “Therefore, we expect that Russian tourists who remember traditional Egyptian hospitality and miss the Red Sea so much will have a safe and comfortable stay."

July 24, the Russian embassy in Cairo announced that air flights between Russia and Egypt’s Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh will resume on August 9, 2021.

“On August 9, five flights a week from Moscow to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh will be carried out. A further decision to increase the number of flights on these destinations, including from other cities of our country, will be made as a result of the Russian delegation's visit to Egypt to assess the epidemiological situation,” the statement read.