Can I travel to Egypt at the moment? Many holidaymakers have been asking themselves this question since the start of the Iran war. The answers to this question certainly play out on several levels. For Martin Brandner, ex-JP manager and Halsen coach, the situation is soberly and objectively clear: "Egypt is not involved in this conflict in any way and there are no American military bases in Egypt. In my opinion, it is therefore safe to travel to Egypt. My Jibe camp from 10 - 16 May with Harry Nass in Dahab is therefore also taking place as normal and is already well booked."
Dahab, which has served as a test area for surfing many times, offers ideal shallow water conditions for learning or perfecting the jibe. A tower is set up in the water especially for the camp for video analysis. In addition to his mental training and the unique jibe simulator, Martin now also offers the following as part of the camp Live coaching via radio systemwhile filming from the tower.
Interview with Oliver Hilf about conditions when travelling to Egypt
Oliver Hilf is Managing Director of Surf & Action and felt the effects of the war first hand. In this interview, he talks about the current situation and what cautious travellers should bear in mind when travelling.
What does the situation look like for you? How is the booking situation for trips to Egypt?
So at the beginning of the war, everything was completely dead. There were no enquiries at all. Now you notice a slight improvement from week to week. There are always a few more enquiries, but overall it is still very subdued. Last weekend there were also reports of possible attacks on tourist destinations by Iran, which again led to a drop in enquiries. Unfortunately, we are often badly affected by such reports.
How do you assess the security situation?
For example, we have just sent Paris, one of our employees, to Egypt for a complete Egypt spot guide. From El Gouna to Marsa Alam. I certainly wouldn't send an employee if I was worried that something might happen. In May, the Ride & Learn event in Abu Soma will take place as normal. The first week is already fully booked, but from 21 - 28 May we still have a few places available.
Egypt is actually geographically far away and not really politically involved, isn't it?
Not involved at all. The problem is that people only see "Arab" or "Middle East" and then have concerns. On the maps on TV you see Dubai, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and next to them is Egypt. Many people mistakenly think that it's all far too close and that something could happen. But the truth is that it is completely quiet on the ground. El Gouna, for example, is fully booked at the moment. We wanted to extend our holiday for a guest and couldn't find any more accommodation. Those who have booked are on site and enjoying their stay. However, it is very difficult to generate new bookings.
Big difference: travel warning and travel advice
Are there currently travel warnings for Egypt?
No, there are no new travel warnings. What there are are these standard travel advisories, especially for northern Sinai due to terrorist incidents and health issues such as dengue fever. But these travel advisories have been in place for at least ten years and are unchanged. It is important to note that these partial travel warnings only apply to northern Sinai and have nothing to do with the tourist areas.
Partial travel warnings only apply to the northern Sinai and have nothing to do with the tourist areas." Oliver Hilf, Surf & Action
What should travellers bear in mind in the event of a travel warning?
As soon as the Federal Foreign Office issues an official travel warning, we strongly advise against travelling to the affected country and we would cancel all booked trips free of charge. Anyone who is already there can fly back as normal. But I don't think Egypt will get into this situation.
Have the flight connections to Egypt changed due to the current situation?
No, the flight connections have remained the same, thank goodness. You can fly to Egypt from almost every German airport at least three to five times a week with airlines such as Condor, Sunexpress, Eurowings, TUI and many others. There are no flight cancellations.
Which destinations in Egypt are currently the most booked?
The Abu Soma Bays and El Gouna are currently very popular. Dahab is less frequented, partly due to limited direct flight connections. But Hurghada, for example, is quite normal and easily accessible.
What can you do about the worry that you might end up stranded in Egypt after all?
So in general, if people are afraid, it is advisable to book through a tour operator. This means that we have to make sure that they get there and back, no matter how. If there are flight cancellations because the occupancy rate would no longer be so high - which is not the case at the moment - we are also obliged to remedy the situation.
The best time to travel to Egypt
Are there any recommendations for the best time to travel to Egypt?
Marsa Alam is particularly interesting from November to the end of April because it doesn't get that cold at night, so five degrees more at night than in Dahab makes a noticeable difference. And statistically speaking, the south has more wind in winter. Hurghada and Dahab are good for travelling from March to November. In summer, especially July and August, the temperatures in Egypt can be very high, but thanks to the low humidity, the heat is bearable. However, travelling until the end of June or then again from September is ideal.
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
