THE Australian market has witnessed a “resurgence in interest and travel to Egypt, especially over the last six months,” according to Abercrombie & Kent’s managing director Sujata Raman.
Traditionally the ancient wonders of Egypt have proved very popular with Aussie tourists, however after 2011 the destination began to wane in the face of ongoing political instability.
A recent survey of Abercrombie & Kent clients found that Egypt was restoring its appeal within the local market, particularly among “sophisticated Australian travellers” who now view the destination as somewhere they would love to visit over the next two years.
Following this positive feedback, the luxury tour operator has launched a new small group package called Egypt, The Nile & Alexandria. The trip takes a maximum of 18 guests on a trail tracking the movements of Egypt’s many prominent pharaohs, emperors and conquerors. Travellers will venture from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan and the Mediterranean coast at Alexandria.
“We decided the time was ripe to design a small group journey to Egypt specifically for Australian travellers…and because Egypt holds such a special place in my own heart — I lived in Egypt for several years growing up — I put my hand up to host one of the first departures on 8 September this year,” Raman said.
Outside of the traditional appeal of historical favourites such as the river Nile and The Great Pyramids of Giza, Raman says the country has taken a proactive approach to reviving the tourist industry.
“Egypt’s government has worked to reopen many key attractions in recent years, including the tombs of King Seti and Queen Nefertari in 2016 and 2017, the four tombs used to bury royal butlers, which reopened in late 2015, and the much-anticipated new Egyptian Museum which is scheduled to open in Giza later this year,” Raman said.
Abercrombie & Kent’s new small group tour costs $9,995 per person twin share with guaranteed departures from 1-13 September and 8-20 September this year.
