Red Sea Holidays has sought to reassure clients in resort and those travelling to the Egyptian holiday region about action being taken following a series of shark attacks.
A German holidaymaker was killed on Sunday off Sharm el Sheikh following other attacks which left three others injured last week.
The incidents come at peak time for the destination, with many people booking to travel to the resort for winter sun breaks over Christmas.
The independent Egypt specialist is updating its agents’ Facebook page, communicating information through the Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisers (TIPTO) and speaking to agents.
A health and safety expert is on hand in resort, acting as a liaison officer between the authorities and customers.
The attacks are believed to be caused by migrating sharks attracted by snorkellers and divers who have been feeding fish, according to the operator. The hungry sharks are attracted by the smell of food and straying into the paths of humans.
The Chamber of Diving and Watersports – the regulatory diving authority in the Red Sea – announced that the majority of beaches are expected to re-open today after all diving and watersports activities were suspended. But it is expected that snorkelling will still be banned.
This follows consultations with international shark experts and a series of exploratory dives in several areas on the Red Sea.
Egyptian State Tourist Office UK and Ireland director Khaled Ramy said: “International experts have been called in and we await their advice regarding further steps to be taken. This is an extremely unusual situation and one which we are doing everything possible to resolve.”
Red Sea Holidays managing director Peter Kearns said: “We are obviously regretful of the situation and our sympathy is extended to those who have been affected.
“However, we want our customers to carry on enjoying their holiday. We are offering increased excursions, doubling the contact between reps and customers and advising new customers to book the larger resort style hotels with multiple pools and on site activities.
“We are providing clear, transparent information to our customers at a time when they may feel uncertain.
“We are reassuring customers already booked and updating them on what is being done to resolve the situation. We are also communicating regularly through our reps with clients in resort and making sure they have the most up to date information and are able to carry on enjoying their holiday with minimum disruption.”
He added: “Whilst this is undoubtedly a knock for the Red Sea the destination is still currently unbeatable in terms of price, quality and guaranteed weather.”