Pyramid selling

At Voyage Prive, a leading members-only travel website offering up to 70% off four and five-star breaks, UK managing director John Bevan says: “Egypt has been the toughest market all year, despite prices being so low.

“Bookings drained away to the Canaries, Dubai, Marrakech and elsewhere as travellers struck Egypt and Tunisia off their list of options.”

Of Egypt’s four main tourism areas – Luxor for The Pyramids; Nile cruising; and the beach resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada for scuba diving – the historic side is hardest hit.

Currently Voyage Prive, whose “Flash Sales’”usually last five days, is selling luxury packages put together by Bales Worldwide, with discounts up to 35 per cent on October/ November departures and other packages until January 2012.

Meanwhile at On The Go tours, which specialises in escorted groups, Pru Goudie says: “While we get daily enquiries asking how safe it is to visit Egypt, recent events in London suggest it is probably very safe indeed!

“There has probably never been a better time to visit Egypt. Right now, it’s low season there, due to the heat, so many deals are available. With tourists only now returning to classical Egypt, travellers can beat the hordes and enjoy the key sites without the usual crowds.

“Fly and flop” packages on the Red Sea have rarely been more affordable, while more adventurous visitors on escorted cultural tours have a choice of six-day tours to Cairo and cultural hub of Luxor from just £299, including B&B in four to five-star accommodation.

Goudie says Egypt’s tourism industry boomed on the back of its wide appeal to everyone from cash-strapped backpackers on a budget to families and professionals.

“It has been one of the big success stories in the global downturn as it represents excellent value for money, year-round sun and houses some of the world’s most ancient treasures.”

Currently, On The Go offers a 10-day cultural tour from September 2, with four nights on a five-star Nile cruise and two nights’ travel in a first class train sleeper (Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo); the package at £1,099, reduced by more than £150, also includes tours of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor.