Store house owners in Khan el-Khalili, probably the most famed vacationer bazaars within the Egyptian capital Cairo, expect the return of Chinese language friends after China introduced its easing of journey restrictions ranging from January 8.
Situated within the coronary heart of Cairo’s previous Islamic district, the centuries-old market used to bustle with vacationers coming from everywhere in the world.
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic that broke out three years in the past has depleted the market of its vibrant vibe.
Amr Dahi, who sells valuable stones and copper artifacts out there, instructed Xinhua that his store used to get pleasure from good enterprise earlier than the pandemic.
“Earlier than the unfold of COVID-19, the enterprise was good as massive numbers of vacationers, particularly Chinese language, flocked right here,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that he seemed ahead to the approaching again of Chinese language vacationers, which could assist enhance his flagging enterprise.
China was the fourth-largest exporter of vacationers to Egypt, with lots of of hundreds coming every year for its historic websites and sunny sandy seashores.
“Chinese language vacationers represent a big share of consumers … They’d spend so much on shopping for antiques and items,” the middle-aged man mentioned.
Mohammed Saleh, the proprietor of a standard Egyptian meals restaurant in Khan al-Khalili, instructed Xinhua that the Chinese language individuals are very pleasant.
“They love Egyptian traditions and like conventional Egyptian meals and are at all times eager to attempt it,” he mentioned.
He recalled the times when the market’s alleyways had been bustled with Chinese language vacationers.
“We pray that Chinese language vacationers will return in order that the state of affairs will enhance,” Saleh mentioned.
In 2019, tourism revenues in Egypt hit a report excessive of 13.03 billion US {dollars}, receiving 13.1 million vacationers. The tourism sector had been badly hit amid the pandemic.
Throughout the first half of 2022, some 4.9 million vacationers visited the traditional nation, the variety of which elevated by 85.4 p.c in comparison with the identical interval in 2021, mentioned Egypt’s official statistics company.
