Travellers to Egypt are being reassured of their safety following a military coup that saw the army depose president Mohammed Morsi.
The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office made no update to its travel advice overnight advising against all but essential travel to certain part of the country in the north.
However, the FCO continues to advise that Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are safe including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab.
Today Aito has issued a statement calling on holidaymakers to support Egypt and to not allow the current political unrest to spoil their holiday plans.
The association said it was looking forward to any travel restrictions being lifted and “believes holidaymakers should not be worried about holidaying in Egypt in the near future”.
Yasser Zeid of Travellers, the Cairo-based local ground handlers of Aito operator McCabe Pilgrimages, said: “What is happening in Egypt is a truly positive thing for the country and its local people.
“Egypt has been reborn – it’s far from an old fashioned military coup. It’s healing, it’s restoration, it’s innovation and it’s unity.
“Our country has been given back to us safely and we look forward to welcoming tourists back to new Egypt soon.”
Pru Goudie, Aito council member and head of business development at On The Go Tours, said: “We have 38 passengers currently in Egypt, with a customised plan for every client.
“On The Go Tours is currently offering cancellation or the option to defer tours departing before July 10 – with the majority choosing to defer their holiday to later in the year.
“We’re encouraging clients to defer, as we feel it’s important to support the local Egyptians and we look forward to resuming business as usual as soon as possible.
“Any tours beyond July 10 are going ahead as normal at this stage and we are monitoring the FCO advice regularly.”
A statement released on behalf of Omayma El Husseini, director of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism said: “The Ministry of Tourism of the Arab Republic of Egypt is proud to proclaim a new era for Egyptian tourism following the revolution of June 30, 2013.
“Every tourist visiting Egypt presently is a most welcomed guest, whose security is safeguarded by the Egyptian people and by the authorities, and all must be assured of their safety and ability to complete their planned visits without disruption. Their families and friends at home should be equally reassured.
“Tourists booked to visit Egypt this summer are equally reassured that there is no impediment to their visit. They will come to enjoy Egypt as millions of tourists have done for years and years, in safety and security, welcomed by their friendly and hospitable Egyptian hosts.
“Tourism in Egypt is expected to boom as of next fall as the country settles down to its newfound democracy which will bring peace and prosperity to this great country and its united people.”
According to the BBC the Muslim Brotherhood, whose leader Morsi has been placed in detention by the army, are planning rallies for today (Friday).
The army has vowed to allow peaceful protest to continue as long as it did not threaten national security.
And the country’s interim leader Adly Mahmud Mansour, the top judge of Egypt’s constitutional court, has vowed to hold new elections based on the genuine will of the people.