EGYPT

Journal: TWUK	Section:
Title:	Issue Date: 17/07/00
Author:	Page Number: 45
Copyright: Other

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EGYPT

Sights to see:Pompey’s Pillar is one of Alexandria’s architectural attractions

The discovery of an underwater city in Alexandria should raise the destination’s profile and boost visitor numbers.

The discovery of an ancient underwater metropolis has helped to raise the profile of the Egyptian city of Alexandria prompting tour operators to consider adding it to future brochures.

Cox and Kings, which is expanding its coverage of Egypt by 50% in its 2001 brochure launched this month, will feature Alexandria for the first time as part of a tour called Cities of the Delta. The lead-in price of £895 covers entrance fees, a guide and bed-and-breakfast accommodation for two nights in Alexandria and three nights in Cairo.

Product manager Hugh Fraser said: “Alexandria has always been popular with domestic visitors but it has been a back water for international tourism, however the discovery of the underwater city has raised awareness and its potential is being recognised now.

“It’s very different from Cairo. The architecture is southern European in style and there are many Art Deco buildings. Among the attractions are a Greco-Roman museum, Pompey’s Pillar and the Qaytbey Fort in Alexandria harbour.”

Cox and Kings features one property in the city – the Sheraton Montazah – which is also used in its Egyptian Grand Tour, a new 12-night itinerary based on luxury properties in the country.

As well as the Sheraton, the itinerary includes the new Four Seasons hotel in Cairo, which opened in May, and a stay on the Oberoi Philae cruise. For the last two nights clients can stay either at the Winter Palace in Luxor or the Sheraton in Alexandria. The lead-in price is £1,795.

It is not just operators who are showing an interest in the destination. British Mediterranean launched a direct service to the city on June 12. The airline previously flew via Beirut.

Chief executive Des Hetherington said:”Egypt is proving to be ever popular as a tourist destination. The government is investing in accommodation and transport infrastructure. Strong demand for our flights via Beirut gave us the confidence to start twice-weekly non-stop flights.”

The underwater discovery in Alexandria is believed to be the ancient city of Herakleion, dating from the fifth century BC, which sank into the Mediterranean sea after an earthquake.

Archaeologists and a team of divers are still unearthing near perfect examples of statues, temples and houses at the site, which lay just 10 metres beneath the surface at the mouth of the Nile in Alexandria’s Aboukir Bay.

But some operators remain cautious about the impact of the discovery and are adopting a wait-and-see approach.

Somak managing director Stuart Britton said: “I think it is coming onto the map because of what they’re discovering there but Alexandria is one of those places you think maybe, but not yet.

“What is still an issue is the tourist infrastructure and the availability of accommodation.”

The opening of a Four Seasons hotel in Alexandria will help the accommodation shortage although the group has yet to confirm an opening date.

Meanwhile, Somak is shifting the emphasis of its product onto more upmarket holidays with the introduction of the Oberoi Shehrazad cruise ship in its brochure, available this month.

“For next year we are taking a number of seats on Monarch and using scheduled flights on Egypt Air and British Mediterranean,” said Britton. “The cruise will cost £1,500 for a 10-night tour,” said Britton.

Thomas Cook Holidays’ most popular cruise is the seven-night Nile Discovery which leads in at £679 in July and August, including sightseeing and full board accommodation.

Product manager Tom Samuel said: “We have seen about a 30% rise in bookings over last year.”

First Choice product director Kyle Haughton said he has been surprised by the popularity of the operator’s summer programme to Egypt launched in April. “People are looking for more experience in their summer holidays,” he said.

Alexandria

Cost of living: the currency is the Egyptian pound. A meal in a restaurant will cost approximately £4-£6 per person.

Health precautions: it is advisable for all visitors to drink bottled mineral water.