Egyptian tourism companies have raised hotel accommodation prices by seven to 15 percent in anticipation of a recovery in travel rates.
According to sources, occupancy rates during the second week of January fell to between 75 and 80 percent in Hurghada and Marsa Alam, and dropped to about 85 percent in Cairo from 90 percent.
Occupancy rates peaked in hotels in Luxor and Aswan, exceeding 85 percent, and reached about 55 percent in Sharm El-Sheikh.
A board member of the Egyptian Hotel Association and head of the Red Sea Hotels Chamber, Moudi al-Shaer, explained in press statements that pricing is based on supply and demand.
Hotels have raised prices by varying percentages between seven and 15 percent, anticipating growth in tourist flows to Egypt during the current year between 20 and 25 percent.
Shaer added that the decline in occupancy rates during January and February is normal, as they peak during the second half of December and the first week of January, then decline before resuming growth again by March.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
