Egypt puts hopes on Hurghada-Sharm ferry service
Egypt has officially launched a new ferry service between the resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
It means British holidaymakers staying in Hurghada can also visit Sharm, which has seen visitor numbers plummet since the UK Government ordered the suspension of flights from the UK to its airport.
Commercial flights stopped in November after a Russian passenger jet exploded over the Sinai killing all 224 passengers and crew.
It had just taken off from the airport at the Red Sea resort.
Russian authorities claim the crash was caused by an explosive device planted on board, although this has been denied by Egypt.
The ferry can carry 300 passengers and will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The two-hour crossing is currently priced at around £50 for an adult return journey.
Minister of Tourism Yehia Rashed said the new service will make it easy for foreign visitors to experience both resorts and was part of the country’s efforts to revive its tourist industry.
It follows a recent trip by a British parliamentary delegation to Sharm el-Sheikh to inspect levels of safety and security.
"Their comments were seen as an encouraging sign that the current restrictions could soon be lifted," said the Egyptian Tourism Authority.
Earlier this month British Prime Minister Theresa May told Egypt’s President Sisi the UK Government would continue working closely with the Egyptians on security issues with a view to reinstating flights.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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