Over the years, tourism to the tiny town of Dahab had been growing, but the industry came to a near halt after the April 2006 bombings.
More than two years later, with checkpoints and police stations cluttering the Sinai peninsula, visitors are returning to Dahab to enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea and relax in the tranquil town.
Situated on the northeast coast of the Sinai, about six hours from Cairo and a far cry from the commercialization of nearby Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab lies on blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. Accommodations to fit every budget abound, from camps for the most frugal traveler to the flashy self-contained Hilton Resort. Snorkelers, sun worshippers, and desert enthusiasts can find plenty to do around Dahab, but the town’s true appeal lies in diving.
With over 20 unique dive sites in and around the town, warm water and clear visibility, diving conditions in Dahab are superb. Deciding who to dive with, one is spoiled for choice as an assortment of dive shops line Dahab’s boardwalk, catering to a wide selection of nationalities. English, French, Russian, and German-language shops tout trips to the dive-sites and offer courses from a one day Introduction Dive to the month-long Dive Master.
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Below the surface: Dahab is still a diver’s haven
Sharm-el-Sheikh is top destination for UK travelers
UK travel company Holidays-Direct reports that the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular winter holiday choice for 2008. The resort is well-known for its sun, sea, scuba diving, sand, rich history and modern Bedouin culture.
A study of winter 2008 holiday bookings made to date by online travel agency holidays-direct.co.uk has revealed that the Red Sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular choice for British holidaymakers.
According to holidays-direct.co.uk UK travelers are choosing to visit this stunning coastal resort as it offers a wide variety of restaurants, activities and accommodation to cater for all tastes and budgets – especially families.
Sharm el-Sheikh boasts a world famous dive centre on the Red Sea providing diving enthusiasts of all abilities and is the perfect holiday destination to indulge in the sport. holidays-direct.co.uk has reported increased interest in the resort over the past months suggesting a marked rise in so-called “diving tourism”.
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Safety first for Egypt's diving watchdog
Egypt's newly established Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS) says improving safety and protecting the marine environment are its main priorities, as it aims to ensure the entire industry meets European Underwater Federation (EUF) standards.
Operating under the Egyptian Tourist Federation's governmental umbrella, the CDWS is the first body to officially regulate Egypt's diving and watersports industry.
'We have a responsibility to try to put order into a sector which until now has not been officially regulated,' Hesham Gabr Ali, CDWS board member and manager of Sharm El Sheikh's Camel Dive Club, told DIVE. 'We looked for existing laws and regulations in Europe. The CDWS signed an agreement with the Austrian Standards Institute [the certification arm of the EUF] so we could have a clear, internationally recognised standard set. The chamber will also be the mechanism of communication between the sector and Ministry of Tourism.'
From November 2008, all dive centres and safari boats must be members of the CDWS to apply for a mandatory Egyptian Ministry of Tourism licence to legally operate in the country. Currently, about 320 dive centres and 80 safari boats are CDWS members.
Independent auditors have already begun what is expected to be an 18-month process of checking that every dive business meets EN 14467/ISO 24803 regulations. Everything from training standards to hire equipment and air fills must meet the European requirements. Audits take two to four days to complete, and operators must pass inspections to qualify for or renew CDWS membership.
There are also plans to train skippers and crews on Egyptian leisure industry boats in seamanship to recognised standards, first aid skills and environmental awareness.
It is hoped that these measures will increase safety standards in the Egyptian watersports industry. Under its government-backed remit, the CDWS can technically investigate incidents and accidents and provide recommendations, statistics and data to help minimise accidents and improve service and safety.
However, one of the greatest challenges facing the CDWS, according to Hesham Gabr, is the push for legislation to protect and monitor the marine environment of the Red Sea.
Among the representatives on the CDWS board is the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA). Together, the organisations are calling on the government to declare the Red Sea a 'no catch zone'.
'The environmental side is a much bigger problem,' said Hesham Gabr. 'The aim is to bring the issue of illegal fishing to the surface as fish stocks in the Red Sea are under serious threat, but the fishing lobby is powerful.
'I want to see illegal fishing stopped - this would be the biggest achievement of my life.'
Source - Dive Magazine
Spot’s new 'Classifieds' guide for the Red Sea
This week saw the launch of the hardcopy edition of the SpotRedSea ‘Classifieds’ guide. This free publication will be found in Hurghada’s ‘hot spots’ around town and means your adverts will reach an even greater audience.
The aim is to grow the already considerable readership of over 27,000 and continue to integrate local businesses with the community and the community with the opportunities that exist along the Red Sea coast.
The Spot ‘Classifieds’ contain the latest jobs, events, real estate developments and items to buy and sell. You’ll also find instructions on how to post your ‘Classified’ online, and if you have posted a ‘Classified’ recently, you will find it here, reaching an even greater reading public.
Adverting in the guide is as easy as in our Newsletter, and discounts are offered to our distributors (see below). To advertise, or for more information, please email classifieds@spotredsea.com
Click here to download a PDF version of the Classifieds
We hope you enjoy our guide and benefit from it soon.
Thanks to our distributors :
- Bordiehn Restaurant
- Bulls
- Cafe Del Mar
- Cheeky Monkeys
- Corsini
- Costa Coffee
- Dananni
- Drifters
- Esplanade Sphinx
- Felfela
- Fish House
- Bombay Flowers
- Living Room/Little Dutch Cafe
- The Lodge
- McDonald's
- Meshmesha
- Miramar
- Paccino
- Papas Bar
- Ransho
- Terrace
- Turkish Bath (Esplanade)
We also book hotel all along the Red Sea Coast - check rates here
Interhousing Expo – Hurghada – 4 - 6 January 2009
Preparations are being made for the 3rd round of the Interhousing Expo representing all aspects of the property industry of the Red Sea coast. Success from previous years means hopes are high that the 2009 Expo will be bigger, brighter and more beneficial than before. This much anticipated event will be held at the Intercontinental Resort & Casino, Village Road, Hurghada.
The aim is to bring real estate professionals and investors together under one roof to make new industry contacts, enhance supplier/contractor relationships, facilitate business contracts, obtain legal advice, launch the latest developments and attract investment. The Expo has the sponsorship of the Red Sea Governorate and promises to be the property event of the year.
The main aspects that will be covered by this year’s event are - property turn over, real estate investment programs, real estate consultation, the resale process, architectural subjects, finishing & furniture and garden decoration. So whether you are buying your first property, upgrading your current home or adding to your portfolio, there is something for you to explore.
If you are interested in exhibiting at the Interhousing Expo, please contact the event organisers -
Cherry Street (corner of School Street)
Pharaonic building, Apt. 2
Red Sea
Hurghada
Web: www.interhousingexpo.com
E-mail: info@interhousingexpo.com
Tel: +2 065 344 7967
Mob: +2 012 118 2500
Property investment made easy – Interhousing Expo, Hurghada
Many visitors make Hurghada their home year round, others return each year for shorter periods, but there is no doubt that owning your own property here is easier and more popular than ever. The local construction market is unceasing in its activity all along the Red Sea Coast and it is more tempting then ever to own your own little piece of paradise.
Making the decision to buy property in a foreign country is inevitably followed by a huge amount of research into location, agents, legal issues and more. Hurghada is well equipped to handle all types of queries; the headache can be greatly reduced, but the legwork is still considerable. If you are looking for opportunities to invest, researching new projects along the Red Sea coast or just gathering information, why not visit the now annual event, Interhousing Expo? Here you will find much of the information and many of the contacts you need under one roof.
Exhibiting from 4 - 6 January 2009 at the Intercontinental Hotel, it is hoping to build on the success of the two previous years and continue to promote the Red Sea real estate market that is still undoubtedly booming. Over 30 exhibition platforms will comprise developers, lenders, real estate agents, property managers, construction and finishing companies, legal experts, international relocators; industry professionals with all the local expertise necessary to help you make accurate, informed investment decisions.
For those of you already in the property industry and perhaps exhibiting at the Expo, the dynamic of the visitors (numbering over 3,500 in 2008) is expected to consist primarily of the general public with a view to investing, however, it is also expected to consist of estate agents, builders and contractors, home inspectors, brokers, and property and asset managers. The organisers have identified this target audience and will be focusing their campaign to facilitate business-to-business and business-to-consumer interaction.
Building on the success of El Gouna, Port Ghalib, Hurghada Marina and many other ambitious projects, new opportunities will be showcased in January at the Expo. All scale of projects will be represented from individual villas and apartment complexes to larger developments. Sponsored by the Red Sea Governorate and supported by some of the biggest names in Egyptian property, this really is the one stop shop for investment in the area.
Source reference: Interhousing Expo / Lincom Realestate
Port Ghalib – Building on Successful Beginnings
Port Ghalib is being developed into a billion dollar international holiday destination Mecca. It is situated on the Egyptian Red Sea Riviera 280km south of Hurghada and 80km north or Marsa Alam town. The tremendous investment needed for the development was primarily a M.A. Kharafi Group endeavour and now seeks European and Egyptian investment alike, generated by interest arising from international and local tourism.
The investors and asset managers both agree on the importance of promoting Port Ghalib at the Interhousing Expo. The event is significant because it brings representatives and stakeholders of the international property sector together in one place. The opportunity to present Port Ghalib to serious investors is maximized by the fact the development is already active and as such, the benefits can be easily appreciated. The Port has a long-term vision and has invested in a 20-year plan that will ultimately result in more than 25 hotels and considerable options for apartments for personal use or investment.
Focusing on the advantages of Port Ghalib's tourism is important to attract potential overseas investors. The 2007 opening of three hotels, The Palace, The Sahara Sun Sands and The Sahara Sun Oasis, has added to the success of The Marina Lodge Coral Beach Resort (opened in 2005) in attracting divers and holidaymakers alike to the new development. The lifestyle offered by the area is certainly appealing, mixing modern amenities with the local culture of El Quseir and Marsa Alam. This mix should induce many to consider a second home in the marina or near by.
For business visitors the opening of these hotels and resorts provide international standard accommodation for their stay and the purpose built conferencing facilities with a capacity of 1,500, mean all commercial demands can be easily met. The Corniche and Souk complex, comprising bistros, bars, clubs, restaurants, 22 cafes, boutiques and 165 shops will prove that Port Ghalib is the Egypt's first high end global level holiday resort community. When the hotels maximise their occupancy, Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera will be on a par with destinations such as Port Grimaud, Costasmeralda, Puerto Banus, and France's St. Tropez.
Diving and activities
Port Ghalib is seeing enormous growth in the volume of safari dive boats embarking from the marina. The Ports proximity to the globally famous and magnificent dive sites of Rocky Island, Zabargad Island, Brother's Island, Elphinstone and Daedalus Reef, make it the first choice port of operation for all southerly safari routes. All these sites offer mythical temptations to divers from across the world due to their varied and abundant fish species and pelagic life. Let us not forget the awe-inspiring coral formations commonly found in the area.
Moreover, since there is an increase in diving trips and activities, Port Ghalib is also seeing an influx in the number of independent yachts stopping over from Asian waters en route to the Mediterranean. Port Ghalib authorities report an unexpected year on year increase in arrivals since 2005. The intensity of arrivals, and the increasing duration of the average stay, is showing that Port Ghalib's magnetism on the international yachting scene is fast growing to an all time high. What's more, Port Ghalib's proximity to the Nile Valley, together with protected and calm berthing and excellent facilities, combine to make it the port of choice for independent travelers as well.
Marsa Alam International Airport is just a five-minute drive away from Port Ghalib. The airport is the key to the growing connectivity and direct link to European source markets. Divers, adventure seekers, holiday makers, sports fishing enthusiasts are all catered for, as well as cultural and archaeological fans, who can have the adventure of a lifetime exploring nearby historical sites and ruins. The Nile Valley, Treasures of Egypt's Pharaohs and the Eastern Deserts, combine action and fun with culture, relaxation and pampering; Port Ghalib is rapidly becoming the place where people can achieve the ultimate ‘Egypt’ experience.
Investment potential
The fact that Egypt's low cost of living and that Port Ghalib has the potential for colossal capital growth, in a market that is yet to be tapped by British financiers, makes it a lot more enticing for Italian and German tourists. This is since they comprise the largest fraction of 10 million tourists that visited Egypt in 2007.
In early 2007, the waterfront residences in Port Ghalib were formally inaugurated. This holiday home neighbourhood comprises 450 apartments that are right in the centre of the marina. This gives the residents easy access to the Old Port 'Souk' and 'Corniche' Complex.
For investors considering having their money in a property in Port Ghalib, there are certainly worse places to invest: the Port Ghalib property market has already risen by 50% in the course of only 2 years.
Source: Totally Property / Interhousing Expo
Like to book a hotel in Port Ghalib? Email us here
A Guide to Property in Egypt
Introduction To Egypt
Egypt offers a fascinating mix of modern living standards while keeping a firm focus on the history of the country, it is easy to move between the two time periods in a very short distance, something which has attracted both tourists and overseas businesses in their droves. The country has a very hot and humid climate, which has resulted in over 99% of the population living in less than 6% of the country's land mass - mostly concentrated along the Nile valley.
Property Market in Egypt
When considering all of the property markets of the world, Egypt does offer many unique and mysterious attractions which have been the centre of much interest for years. In comparison to European property markets, Egyptian property is substantially cheaper in relative terms. While the unrest in the area can often attract much headline news, it seems that the fear of terrorism in the area is having less and less of an effect on investors - who have strangely been able to come to terms with the ongoing threat.
The coastal regions of the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea have created their very own property “bubbles” with investors taking advantage of the climate, the constant flow of visitors as well as the value for money which is very evident.
There have been recent signs that the Egyptian economy is set for a prosperous period, with many of the so called building blocks already in place. The authorities have hinted at their intention to further develop a free market economy, which is a major attraction for overseas investors. Slowly but surely the country is growing in stature and the economy appears well set for the future.
Buying Property in Egypt
The government have actually been actively promoting the property market to overseas investors, highlighting their thoughts and hopes for the future. Unfortunately the fee structure and property register in Egypt is massively out of date, with many suggesting that only 10% of the country’s properties are actually registered.
The process and cost structure when buying a property in the country is very different compared to other countries. It is even more essential that local lawyers and property experts are employed to act on your behalf as registration issues can add massive delays and increased costs to any purchase. Until recently Property Registration fees where in the region of 12% of the property value (perhaps a reason why so few properties were registered) although this has now been reduced to 3%.
Once a property purchase has been agreed in principal the buyer will be expected to put down a deposit in the region of 10%, and soon after, forward evidence that they have the necessary funding in place to cover the balance. There are many grave risks to property investment in Egypt, and while the potential for substantial growth in property prices is sizeable (especially in the coastal regions), all buyers should proceed with care and ensure all due diligence is in place prior to completion.
Future Property Market
While many experts are predicting property price growth in the region of 15% per annum for the foreseeable future, there are some economical risks to consider. However, if the authorities continue to encourage overseas investment in all areas of the economy, and are able to stimulate and nurture local activity, the future looks very rosy indeed.On a more general note it has to be said that few places in the world can offer the beauty and culture which is connected with Egypt. The Pyramids are renowned the world over, as is the culture and history of this ancient land, something which the authorities only recently seem to have realised the value of. Expect to see an increase in tourist activity over the next few years, and a probable increase in the number of expats looking to relocate to the region.
While there are no guarantees in the often volatile area in which Egypt is located, there are signs that countries in the region are interested in adapting their laws and processes to encourage western style economic reforms. If they carry out their intentions, then the authorities have the potential to change the financial landscape of the country for many years to come.
For more information why not visit the Interhousing Expo? The next big property event in Egpyt is being held in Hurghada, 4 - 6 January 2009.
Source reference: Totally Property / Lincom Realestate
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