With reliable weather conditions year-round, 2,400-kilometre coastlines, picturesque beaches and luxury resorts near to historical and tourist sites, Egypt has what it takes to become a haven for yachting.
This statement by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled el-Anani came during a cabinet meeting Thursday.
“Our country boasts matchless diving and water sports areas and yacht tourism generates much income from transit and berthing fees, plus tax revenues, fuel and maintenance costs,” el-Anani said, adding that yacht tourists spend more time than other tourists wherever they go.
Studies suggest the daily expenditure by yacht tourists is 94 percent higher than average tourists, the minister said.
Yacht tourism in the Mediterranean region is worth $300 billion annually according to global estimates, he said.
European countries on the Mediterranean coast account for 50 per cent of yacht tourism worldwide, creating 4.4 direct jobs per craft, he said.
El-Anani revealed that his ministry had prepared a strategy for maximising yacht and cruise ship tourism according to directives from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
The strategy includes a unified price policy with incentives and discounts for cruise ships and yachts, he said.
“It will also raise the efficiency of existing tourist ports and establish marinas near tourist attractions,” el-Anani said, adding that the same strategy includes a marketing plan to promote yacht tourism and Egyptian tourist ports.
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