Egypt’s tourism authorities and operators to Sharm el-Sheikh sought to reassure customers the resort is safe as its waters remained closed to all but experienced divers following a series of shark attacks.
A German holidaymaker was killed on Sunday following shark attacks on several swimmers last week. There was an immediate fall in client requests for Sharm el-Sheik, with checks on the resort through TWgroup’s trade directory Gazetteers down 20%.
Khaled Ramy, UK director, Egyptian State Tourist Office, said: “Some beaches are shut. Diving is allowed in some areas for those with at least 50 logged dives. We’ve called in experts to assess the situation and await their advice.”
Sharks are not generally a danger in the Red Sea – an attack in January was the first for five years – and the species believed responsible, the oceanic whitetip, is not usually a threat.
The attacks have been blamed on everything from sharks being attracted by unusual quantities of other fish to over-fishing depriving them of prey.
Red Sea Holidays managing director Peter Kearns said: “Our sympathy is with those who have been affected. However, we want customers to carry on enjoying their holidays. We are communicating regularly with clients in resort.
“This is a knock for the Red Sea, but the destination is unbeatable on price, quality and weather.”
The Foreign Office revised its advice, warning: “Never dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible, make bookings through your tour representative. Unusually cheap operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards.”
Sharm el-Sheikh was the most-researched resort by UK agents on Gazetteers in August, September and October. However, research visits fell 20% between the week up to the attacks and the following seven days.