Major Egyptian exports to Sudan include foodstuffs and petroleum products. Recently, some Arab cities, notably Dubai and Beirut, have decided to follow suit, organizing successful shopping festivals that have attracted thousands of visitors. The two Arab cities have made significant gains from this success, in terms both of revenue and reputation. Now it may be Egypt s turn to get a piece of the action. In an attempt to revive the tourism industry, which was crippled by last November s Luxor massacre, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to organize a shopping festival in Cairo and Hurghada that will last a month, from 20 July to 20 August.
Summer is the favourite season for Arab tourists.
A number of ministries, including supply and home trade, interior and finance, will be taking part, as well as EgyptAir, big hotels, travel agencies and shopping malls. The aim is to promote Egypt and attract the largest possible number of tourists. We want the Month of Shopping to be an occasion when we can market Egypt in its entirety. The festival venues will include the Cairo Trade Fair grounds in Nasr City and the Cairo International Conference Centre, as well as several shopping malls and hotel annexes. There will be discounts on many goods and non-Egyptian buyers will be refunded the sales tax upon their departure, Beltagui said.