Despite other European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, France and Belgium, advising their citizens not to travel to Red Sea resorts, the area was still considered safe and unaffected by the violence in the rest of the country.
However, in the present circumstances, it has been deemed impossible to operate the most popular on shore excursions to the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings.
A Thomson statement issued today says: “As the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to Cairo and Luxor this means that we are not able to offer our customers an alternative itinerary that would meet their requirements for a Red Sea cruise, “ reported the Daily Mail.
“We understand how disappointing this will be for our customers and we are currently contacting customers booked on a Red Sea cruise to advise them of these changes.”
While the FOC has warned against all but essential travel in Egypt, with the exception of the Red Sea resorts, including Sharm el Shaikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab.
The FOC states: “enhanced security measures are in place to protect the resort areas.
“There have been no violent protests in the South Sinai resorts during recent disturbances in Egypt. The resorts remain calm.”
Thomson had already cut short winter cruises to the region on Thomson Majesty.
The Intrepid Group has cancelled all tours to the country scheduled up to and including September 30.
The declining impact of tourism is having a impact on local not-for-profit organisations, so the Intrepid Foundation has donated £4,400 to support Animal Care in Egypt.
