Hotel occupancy rates in tourist areas during Eid vacation surpass 90 percent, Tourism Minister Khaled Rami said on Thursday.

Reservations in Sharm hotels hit 93%, 95% in Ain Sokhna and Ras Sedr, 90% in Hurghada and 91% in Alexandria, northern coast and Marsa Matrouh, he said in press statements.

Domestic tourism is not an alternative to the international one but is a safety valve in times of crises, he said.

He unveiled efforts by the ministry and Tourism Promotion Authority to promote for tourist destinations in Egypt through the radio, television, newspapers and websites, especially after "Egypt in Our Hearts initiative" initiative was extended till September 30.

The initiative was developed by the ministry in cooperation with Misr Travel Company, Egypt Air, Karnak travel agency, the Petroleum Services Company, the Chamber of Hotels, and the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA).

The initiative aims at organizing trips to archaeological areas in Luxor and Aswan at affordable prices.

The first phase of the initiative started mid December 2014 until 30 April, and the second one was concluded on June 30. The third one will run till September 30.
Source: MENA