Egypt’s tourism revenues reached $2.2 billion during the first quarter of this year reflecting a strong increase by 83.3% compared to the same period last year, Reuters reported today May 23 quoting official sources.

Likewise, tourist arrivals during the period under review surged by 37.1% to 2.383 million, the source indicated.

Let’s note that this sector which accounts for 12% of national GDP, has been struggling to recover since the popular revolt which saw the then-president Hosni Mubarak ousted in 2011. Subsequently, the sector was affected by political instability following the protest as well as the increase in terrorist attacks at tourist sites.

Back in 2010, Egypt attracted 14.7 million visitors while revenues amounted to over $11 billion.