Jordanian visitors on the rise in Egypt

Jordanian visitors to Egypt increased 4.5 percent to 50,514 in the first five months of this year, reflecting the strong cultural ties and increased business and leisure opportunities.

Egypt's traditional Pyramids-and-museums profile is broadening as more modern shopping malls, entertainment venues and luxury, internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts shoot up across the country.

Ahmad El Khadem, chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority, said, 'Jordan remains one of our key markets and we will continue to emphasize the close cultural ties and broad attractions Egypt has to offer.'

The country remains especially appealing to Arabs, many of whom enjoy the comfort of an Arabic-language setting.

Where Cairo and Alexandria have been and remain key destinations, Arab travellers now enjoy a wide variety of luxury resorts outside of the metropolitan centres, scattered along the Red Sea and the North Coast.

The construction of new airports in both tourist-friendly areas enables Jordanians to take more weekend breaks all year round.

'Arabs are opting increasingly to visit Egypt over European destinations,' added El Khadem. 'Egypt's modern amenities, including luxury hotels and high-end retailers, as well as its Arabic-language culture, make it a comfortable weekend escape for our neighbours from Jordan.'

With an ever-increasing tourist population and government initiatives to promote development in the tourist sector, Egypt is positioned to sustain further a variety of opportunities for its Arab visitors.