In recent days we have received a few questions about security in the region. Here, our Executive Marketing Manager Sarah gives an update and some further information about the subject:
'We can understand that after the issue with a French tourist in Algeria, some people are sensitive about travel to the region but we can assure you that our view, and the view of the European governments is that travel to Egypt, and in particular Marsa Alam is currently normal. Even throughout the internal Egyptian problems Marsa Alam has been completely unaffected and has seen no unrest. Threats by outside terrorist organisations have been made on almost every country in the world, including those in the West.
Since the beginning of 2014 we have seen huge increase in the security presence in Egypt. The last event involving tourists happened in February in Taba which as you know is very far indeed from Marsa Alam, and is in an area which has seen travel warnings and political issues at certain points over recent years, but even the warning issued after this event was lifted after 2 months with no further events. The Red Sea Governorate has had no travel warnings in 2014 and from our point of view the situation is getting better and better, with tourist numbers increasing month on month and the majority of local hotels full in recent weeks.
It is worth remembering the geography and size of Egypt: Marsa Alam sits 800km south of Cairo – at least 8 hours drive. The road to reach Marsa Alam is very secure, with three high security checkpoints between the border of the Red Sea Governorate and Hurghada (the 3rd being 5km north of El Gouna). At these checkpoints, luggage, people and cars are all fully checked. There are a further two large checkpoints to Marsa Alam, and another three to Wadi Lahami (plus a further three to Ras Banas). The Tourism Police, Coastguards and Military control the region making it isolated from anyone who is not a tourist or tourism worker. Marsa Alam has a small, close, population of only 10,000 people who all have an interest in tourism.
We also have our own security 24/7, patrolling the property, beach, entrance points and borders, and we have always had this, even before the revolution of 2011.
Having said all that, this high security presence is not imposing on tourists and they are left to enjoy their time as usual but with the reassurance that the area is controlled and regulated. Tourism is a high priority for Egypt and the government is taking no risks, and sparing no expense to ensure that tourists feel safe, and are safe.
As a young English woman living here I feel completely safe – actually I feel that in the world right now Marsa Alam is probably the safest place to be, with the added advantage of beautiful landscapes and flourishing marine life.
I hope this report will serve to reassure you all that the situation here is calm, normal, peaceful and without problems.
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If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Sarah O'Gorman
Executive Marketing Manager
