| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 47 |
| Copyright: Other |
agents on the spot: egypt
Bales Worldwide took 10 travel agents to Cairo and Luxor for seven days. From Luxor they then took a cruise to Aswan. We asked three of the agents for their views before and after the trip.Before After
Elaine lee
miss ellies world travel
heaton chapel
stockport
Tracey francis
bath travel
Westbourne
bournemouth
Michael eaves
wymaway travel worldchoice
westbury wiltshire
The last time I visited Egypt was 24 years ago when I went on an educational cruise with school. This time I expected lots of fantastic sights. I thought the accommodation would be first class and the trip one I would never forget. I was apprehensive about the safety aspect, especially in Cairo. I hadn’t sold many holidays to Egypt. The kind of people wishing to travel are usually couples over 40 years old.
Egypt completely surpassed my expectations. The only way to see Egypt for those who want to see the pyramids is to take a cruise down the Nile and also see all the tombs and temples on the way. The pyramids were surprisingly close to Cairo. It was amazing how the scenery changed so quickly. If someone asked about Egypt now I would tell them not to just to do the Nile cruise or visit Luxor, but to sample as much as possible.
I expected Egypt to be incredibly busy and Cairo to be very dusty and dirty. I thought it would be very religious and full of culture. I was told that at the time of year we would be travelling, it would be very hot, which worried me slightly. I thought Cairo would be overpopulated, poor and full of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I also wondered how people in Cairo would react to tourists visiting the city.
It was very safe to travel around Egypt which had concerned me at first. The guides were knowledgeable and made the trip really interesting. I feel I can sell it much better now I can talk of my personal experience. I don’t think we could have done anymore in the time we were there. When selling Egypt now, I start with putting the client’s mind at rest about safety. There are tourist police parading the streets on a daily basis.
This was my first trip to Egypt, unlike the other agents on the educational. I expected a country of extreme culture and amazing scenery but I really had no idea what it would be like. I thought the accommodation would be of a high standard wherever possible. My main fears were about the security problems and also of the cleanliness of Cairo itself. I thought all the scenery would be very desert like and dry. I was also veryconcerned about getting ill while on my short stay.
My ideas about Egypt have changed. It is a friendly place and the Egyptians are hospitable. I would tell prospective visitors not to have any fears about shootings or danger in any way, the safety is of an excellent standard. For anyone who is interested in history or culture, Egypt is a must. I was surprised going along the Nile, by how this area was so cultivated and green, and not dry and arid. What made it for me were the things the staff did to make you welcome. Every night the towel on my bed was folded into the shape of a crocodile.