News
Egypt presents 2021 action plan for Safe Tourism
Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities reassured holidaymakers that safe travels are possible at a time that continues to be defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. His remarks came during a presentation of Egypt’s comprehensive action plan for safe tourism at ITB Berlin NOW.
The digital meet-up for the travel industry took place from March 9 to 12 with the participation of travel professionals from across the globe.
At the core of the Ministry’s action plan is the drive to protect the health of all residents and visitors, therefore the strict implementation of COVID-19 safety and hygiene measures remains a key focus. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is cooperating with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Egyptian Hotels Association, to develop and implement the measures that comply with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has issued the Regulations for the Resumption of Tourism to Egypt that are applicable to all tourist facilities across the country. Hygiene Safety Certificates are now a pre-requisite for hospitality establishments, archaeological sites, and museums to resume their operations and receive visitors.
COVID-19 testing centres have been established at Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada airports to conduct PCR tests on arrival for tourists who do not possess a negative PCR test certificate not older than 72 hours at a cost of US$30 or their equivalent. It also provides PCR and antigen tests for tourists on demand upon departure to their countries to ensure their safe return home.
Hotels quarantine guests who test positive for COVID-19 in separate rooms, covering the costs of lodging, food and soft drinks until their departure. Serious cases receive medication and treatment at hospitals free of charge from the Ministry of Health and Population until full recovery.
On June 18, 2020, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted Egypt its Safe Travel Stamp, which recognizes destinations around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols in line with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.
Furthermore, Egypt has implemented temporary regulations with the aim of reviving its tourism and aviation sector, and incentivizing holidaymakers to consider the country for their next vacation. To achieve optimum value addition for everyone, Egypt is closely collaborating with industry partners, such as tour operators and airlines, in this regard.
As part of these measures, travellers arriving in the governorates of South Sinai, Red Sea, Luxor and Aswan are exempted from paying visa fees until April 30, 2021. In addition, the country has reduced jet fuel prices by 15 US cents per gallon from January 21 until end-2021. Meanwhile, airports in touristic governorates can benefit from a 50 percent discount on landing and housing fees and a 20 percent discount on ground handling fees until April 30, 2021.
Over the past few months, the country has witnessed a significant increase in tourist rates. Around 10,000 tourists a day arrive at airports located in touristic cities, which have consistently reported one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany used to rank first among source markets.
Dr. El-Enany said: “COVID-free destinations now top the wish list for the world’s tourists. In this context, Egypt’s stepped-up efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus have been successful, as the recent continued growth in inbound tourism numbers testifies. This positive trend is a clear proof that our tightened precautionary measures are respected and observed, and that visitors have confidence in our preparedness to tackle the greatest health crisis of our time. We look forward to welcoming a steady stream of tourists from all countries.”
Find out more at www.egypt.travel
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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