Monday, 24th April 2006 (4045 views)

The wide array of jewellery and clothing outlets in Egypt is attracting record numbers of tourists to the North African country, as Gulf Arabs and Europeans make regular trips to enjoy the unique shopping experience.

Luxurious souks stocking a variety of textiles and gold jewellery are becoming more commonplace around the main shopping districts of Cairo, like al-Sagha and Goldsmith's Street in Khan al- Khalili.

It is now these attractions, as much as the country's much-vaunted history and ancient archaeological splendour, which draw in foreign tourists says Egyptian minister of tourism, H E Zoheir Gharana.

"Shopping has now become an important part of the holiday experience," the Minister told AME Info. "Egypt appeals to tourists not only for its cultural sites, but now for its shopping - be it the latest trends in Italian fashion or Egyptian-made fine goods."

The Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) claims tourist numbers from the Gulf region have risen by over 50 per cent since last year, with Egypt recording over eight million visitors in the past year.

The ETA attributes a good deal of this increased tourist trade to visitors on "weekend shopping get-aways", mainly from the Middle East.

 

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