Innovative Travel’s two-week Egypt roadshow has wound up after a series of presentations focusing on Egypt. The roadshow gave travel agents and their selected clients the opportunity to hear from Innovative Travel’s Cairo based director and former chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Board, Elhamy ElZayat. The events provided an insight into the life and times of the boy king Tutankhamen, who is in turn the key inspiration for the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza.

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Viking has announced 99 new departure dates for its Egypt river voyage. With the current season almost sold out, the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary now has increased availability in 2024 and 2025.

Egyptian Ambassador to New Zealand,  Dina Farouk El Sehy, reports an upward trend of New Zealanders again travelling to Egypt. 

Speaking to Robyn Galloway MD of Innovative Travel at Egypt’s National Day celebrations in Wellington yesterday the ambassador acknowledged the company’s long-standing commitment to Egypt, which has continued for over 30 years. 

A move that has added value to agents and also reduced hassle for both the trade and clients has been extended by Exotic Holidays due to a strong response.

Managing director Rahul Sharma, says Exotic, through sister company Visa Assist, has been waiving visa processing fees for India and Vietnam for a couple of weeks.

As demand for Egypt grows, World Journeys is reminding agents of its 15-day “Cruise the Nile” itinerary aboard the four-star Movenpick MS Darakum. 

The itinerary covers the ‘must-sees’ of Egypt, with comprehensive sightseeing at key locations such as in Cairo, the pyramids and sphinx of Giza, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan. In addition, the cruise stops in to some lesser known but equally fascinating ancient ruins, and allows guests time to relax as they cruise past Egyptian farmlands, sugar cane plantations and local villages.

Interest in Egypt as a river cruise destination continues to climb as Viking sees a 25% jump in sales weeks after announcing a new addition to its fleet.

‘The expansion to our Egypt fleet with the debut of Viking Aton in September 2022 has generated a significant surge in interest and bookings from New Zealanders and Australians,’ says Michelle Black, Viking ANZ managing director. ‘The addition of Viking Aton takes our Egypt river fleet to three, alongside Viking Osiris and Viking Ra. We have also secured exclusive docking rights near Karnak Temple in Luxor, one of the region’s highlights, meaning no double docking for our ships on the Nile.’

Viking is seeing huge demand for its Egypt cruises and strong support from the New Zealand trade for its coming expedition offerings, says Erin Kramer, marketing manager of the cruise line.

The Middle East has become a hotspot for Australian and New Zealand travellers with Egypt and Jordan identified in the top fastest growing regions for G Adventures’ Kiwi and Aussie travellers.

It is now over six years since Egypt’s initial uprising and the destination has moved on with its new constitution now in place, a leading travel expert advises.
The new constitution has resulted in over 80 female Members of Parliament, along with many other positive changes.
Innovative Travel Cairo-based director, Elhamy ElZayat was in Christchurch recently with the latest Egyptian updates at a trade and consumer evening.