Vacationers go to the Khan el-Khalili historic market in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 6, 2023. Store house owners in Khan el-Khalili, one of the crucial famed vacationer points of interest within the Egyptian capital Cairo, hope for the return of Chinese language visitors after China introduced its easing of journey restrictions ranging from Jan. 8. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
CAIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) — Store house owners in Khan el-Khalili, one of the crucial famed vacationer bazaars within the Egyptian capital Cairo, predict the return of Chinese language visitors after China introduced its easing of journey restrictions ranging from Jan. 8.
Positioned within the coronary heart of Cairo’s outdated Islamic district, the centuries-old market used to bustle with vacationers coming from all around the world.
Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic that broke out three years in the past has depleted the market of its vibrant vibe.
A vacationer buys souvenirs at a retailer of the Khan el-Khalili historic market in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 6, 2023. Store house owners in Khan el-Khalili, one of the crucial famed vacationer points of interest within the Egyptian capital Cairo, hope for the return of Chinese language visitors after China introduced its easing of journey restrictions ranging from Jan. 8. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
Amr Dahi, who sells treasured stones and copper artifacts available in the market, advised 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 appeared 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 a whole bunch of 1000’s coming annually for its historic websites and sunny sandy seashores.
“Chinese language vacationers represent a big proportion of patrons … They’d spend lots on shopping for antiques and presents,” the middle-aged man mentioned.
Individuals go to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar market in Cairo, Egypt, April 29, 2021. (Xinhua/on Sui Xiankai)
Mohammed Saleh, the proprietor of a conventional Egyptian meals restaurant in Khan al-Khalili, advised 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 strive it,” he mentioned.
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 mentioned.
Individuals experience camels at sundown on the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Dec. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)
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.
Through 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. ■
