Egypt ups capacity in public spaces to 70% as arrivals increase

Maximum capacity at hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and theatres was previously 50%

As Egypt’s tourism sector reopens and visitor numbers continue to rise, the country is set to increase hotel and entertainment venue occupancy limits to 70%.

Hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and theatres can raise capacity from 50% to 70% occupancy, Egypt’s cabinet confirmed on Monday in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly.

Egypt lifted its initial ban on inbound tourist traffic 12 months ago and has been reopening its tourism market in phases so that it can assess health and safety precautions designed to stem the spread of Covid-19.

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During the meeting, Egypt’s health minister Dr Hala Zayed reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the country, including the various precautionary measures and infection rates.

Over the past year, the number of visitors to Egypt has been increasing with four million arrivals since July 2020, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

It’s expected that visitor numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels by autumn 2022

Included in the country’s recovery strategy was the introduction of a subsidy programme. The initiative aims to reduce the price of domestic airline tickets that connect key tourism hubs in the country. The Board of Directors of the Supreme Council of Antiquities also stepped in to subsidise the price of tickets for archaeological areas and museums across the country.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, Dr Khaled El-Enany, said that Egypt’s tourism recovery strategy was on track and that the country was able to increase occupancy rates because it closely followed a plan that focused on a cautious reopening. Strict hygiene measures and vaccinating all hospitality staff in several parts of the country have allowed public spaces to reopen safely.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) recently granted the country its Safe Travel Stamp, sealing its status as a safe destination, and inbound travellers to Egypt are currently required to present a negative PCR test on arrival.