China lifts travel ban to Egypt

The Tourism Ministry announced that China has lifted its travel ban to Egypt.

“We understand the democratic transition Egypt is going through,” said Chinese Ambassador Song Aiguo. “It is safe for Chinese tourists to come and enjoy the timeless monuments and picturesque beaches.”

“Egypt is a great country and its people are hospitable,” he added. “It has a civilization of 7,000 years and we have a civilization of 5,000 years.”

Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou said he is happy to see Chinese tourists returning to Egypt. “Egyptian tourism has suffered greatly in the past three years,” he said at a ceremony on a cruise ship celebrating the lifting of the ban.

He said that northern Chinese people prefer to visit the monuments while those of the south like desert safaris. “Egypt offers diverse tourism attractions,” he said.

Nasser Abdel Aal, advisor for Asian tourist affairs, said China is a promising market for Egypt in light of its strong economic growth and abundance of human resources. “Chinese tourists prefer long stays,” he added.