Red Sea resorts have done well in recent years but the Middle East conflict highlights the need to boost opportunities for smaller operators.

The Egyptian government aims to expand tourist arrivals even further, with a target of reaching 30 million visitors by 2030.

Yet tourism is notoriously sensitive to events beyond host country control – and the conflict in the Middle East is the latest geopolitical headache that threatens Egypt’s ambitions.

Speaking to African Business in late March, before the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said less than 5% of visitors had cancelled their bookings as a result of the conflict. He insists that Egypt is “completely safe”.

Mohamed Nabil, founder of destination management company Rove World, reports that 70% of his company’s bookings have been cancelled. (Ben Payton – African Business)