Store house owners in Khan el-Khalili, probably the most famed vacationer bazaars within the Egyptian capital Cairo, predict the return of Chinese language friends after China introduced its easing of journey restrictions ranging from January 8.

Positioned within the coronary heart of Cairo’s outdated Islamic district, the centuries-old market used to bustle with vacationers coming from everywhere in the world.

Nonetheless, 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, stated that his store used to take pleasure in good enterprise earlier than the pandemic.

“Earlier than the unfold of COVID-19, the enterprise was good as giant numbers of vacationers, particularly Chinese language, flocked right here,” he stated.

He stated that he seemed ahead to the approaching again of Chinese language vacationers, which could assist increase his flagging enterprise.

China was the fourth-largest exporter of vacationers to Egypt, with a whole bunch of 1000’s coming annually for its historic websites and sunny sandy seashores.

“Chinese language vacationers represent a big proportion of consumers. They might spend so much on shopping for antiques and presents,” the middle-aged man stated.

Mohammed Saleh, the proprietor of a standard Egyptian meals restaurant in Khan al-Khalili, instructed Xinhua that the Chinese language persons are very pleasant.

“They love Egyptian traditions and like conventional Egyptian meals and are all the time eager to attempt it,” he stated.

He recalled the times when the market’s alleyways have been bustled with Chinese language vacationers.

“We pray that Chinese language vacationers will return in order that the state of affairs will enhance,” Saleh stated.

In 2019, tourism revenues in Egypt hit a report excessive of 13.03 billion U.S. {dollars}, receiving 13.1 million vacationers. The tourism sector had been badly hit amid the pandemic.

In the course of 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, stated Egypt’s official statistics company.