Philip Breckner, commercial director, Discover Egypt said: “We’ve always treated Egypt proper and Sinai as two different areas. But yes I think it will be a step backwards in the market because of what has happened for tourism generally to Egypt.”
He insisted that the company was not directly affected by the situation in Sharm, with no cancellation and cruises and tours still going ahead as planned. However Breckner admitted that some customers had cancelled deposits for bookings next year.
“I think it will have an impact on the general market, but those that know the region will continue going.
“I’m concerned by this for tourism generally to the country but a lot of our customers do know the region,” he added.
Meanwhile Anatolian Sky managing director Akin Koc said the news was damaging for “the whole overseas travel market”.
People will be less confident to fly,” he added. “It will definitely damage Egypt and the tourism industry including all the Nile cruising and classical stuff. There was not much business going on. The main thing was Red Sea and Sharm el-Sheikh so it will do huge damage to Egypt.”
Koc added that he believed traditional European destinations such as Greece and Spain would see the most benefits if tourists stayed away from the country long term, although he added Turkey could also benefit. “Turkey is a part of Nato and it is a safe country,” he insisted.
