UK operators prepare to segregate tourists in Sharm El Sheikh
UK operators have moved holidaymakers to the Sharm El Sheikh resorts in case Egyptian authorities decide to segregate international tourists from the violent clashes by closing off the road.
AITO tour operator, Nomadic Thoughts said it had moved clients from outlying areas to Sharm last week in case the demonstrations escalate.
It said authorities may shut the road to other resort areas including Nabq, Dahab and Nueiba following the northern Sinai police convoy’s ambush which saw at least 24 killed yesterday.
Owner Jono Vernon-Powell said local authorities are "taking every precaution to safeguard international tourists".
He added: "In our case we had already brought clients into Sharm from outlined areas last week – on the basis that we assumed this might be a precautionary step should things escalate. We were also keen to have them within easy access to the airport."
However he said there did not appear to be any immediate danger to tourists in the southern Sinai region, as per Foreign Office travel advice.
The Foreign Office said on its website: "Enhanced security measures are in place to protect the resort areas. There have been no violent protests in the South Sinai resorts during recent disturbances in Egypt."
It added that currently the road in and out of Sharm El Sheikh to other resorts including Nabq, Dahab and Nueiba remains open.
A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: "All our customers are located in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada; the nearest other tourist areas are Tarba and Dahab, but we do not have any UK customers in these resorts."
A spokewoman for Thomson said: "Over the last few months we have made changes to the excursion programme as FCO advice meant we could not offer trips to Cairo and Luxor from Sharm. The rest of the excursion programme for Sharm El Sheikh continues as normal.
"Our dedicated customer teams in our call centres and our retail shops are working to reassure customers that, in line with FCO advice, their holidays will continue as planned."
Diane
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