CAIRO: Russia’s ambassador to Egypt Georgy Borisenko has lauded Egyptian efforts to welcome back Russian tourists to the country from early June.
During a meeting with Amr Hanafi, governor of Egypt’s Red Sea governorate, the envoy praised security and health measures being put in place for when Russian tourist charter flights return to Hurghada airport, along with scheduled Aeroflot flights.
Talks centered around the two countries’ preparations for the resumption of Russian tourism in the Red Sea resort following an earlier agreement between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore full air links.
Hanafi said the tourist industry in Hurghada had implemented a raft of health and safety measures in readiness for receiving Russian visitors.
He pointed out that all tourism sector workers were being vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and that the relevant ministries had been coordinating over measures to counter the spread of the virus.
The governor added that he had held discussions on related issues with business leaders dealing with Russian tour operators.
Ramy Fayez, a member of the Chamber of Hotel Establishments on the Red Sea, said Moscow had insisted on Egyptian tourism staff being vaccinated as a condition of the deal.
“The return of Russian tourism will happen gradually because there are several regulatory measures that must be taken first, including adjusting air traffic, and changing the routes of planes from Russian airports to the cities of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam.
“This needs time to reorganize, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures it requires,” he added.
