Egyptian tourism is expected to grow further this year despite current situations in the Middle East.

"Arrivals as of July 2006 already reached 5.14 million. By the end of August 2006, we anticipate 6 million tourists — a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year," said Egyptian Tourism Minister Zoheir Garannah, at the 7th edition of the Mediterranean Travel Fair, running September 5 to 7. He stressed solidarity among destinations is key for surviving the recent crisis in the region.

Egyptian hotel rooms inventory has reached a new record high of 175,000 with 120,000 more under construction. Minister Garannah took pride in the rate the hospitality industry is expanding facilities. "In the past years, we added only 60,000 rooms per year. Today, we double the rate of inventory increase," he said.

"We've been working very hard with our marketing campaigns which will be launched soon. The national campaign will urge our people to get a fair share in the industry that sustains the country's economy," the minister said.

Tourism is one of the pillars of the Egyptian economy, with about 8.6 million visitors arriving yearly...

Egypt tourism grows despite current geopolitical climate, Hazel Heyer, TravelVideo.TV, Ontario, Canada, September 06, 2006.