As of December, diving and scuba activities for yachts on cruises will resume in six nature reserve diving sites in South Sinai, according to a statement made by Egypt’s Ministry of Environment.

The diving sites include: the Temple, North Laguna, South Laguna, White Island, Electricity, and Map.

The decision by Egypt’s Environmental Affairs Agency follows the cessation of diving activities that lasted for nine months, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Egypt’s health ministry announced Wednesday that South Sinai, Minya, Suez and Ismailia have recently seen a drop in infection rates, unlike Cairo and Alexandria.

According to the statement, “These sites were chosen after carrying out a number of field studies and scientific surveys, and after ensuring that they are distinguished by all the appropriate environmental requirements for diving sites to achieve the enjoyment of those involved in diving activities,” quoting Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad.

So far, a total number of 43 floating hotels and Nile Cruise ships have obtained the government mandated health and safety certificates. 

These hotels and ships have started the resumption of their trips in October and ever since, they have been obtaining the certificates that are approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Health and Population and the Egyptian Hotels Association (EHA). 

According to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, these floating hotels obtained the certificates for meeting the health and safety requirements set out by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ministry’s inspection committees approved 26 floating hotels between Luxor and Aswan last week, including: Nile Dolphin Hotels; Solaris 1; Premium; Amo Boat; Abercrombie 2; Zaina; Medea; La Travita; Tosca; Beau Rivage 1; Château Lafayette; Esmeralda; Champollion 2; Abercrombie Nile Adventure; Crown Jewels; Royal; Regency Louvain; Miss World; Nile Plaza; Nile Shams; Emilio; Miss Beau Rivage 2; Nile Marquis; Blue Shadow; and Farah. In addition to these, the Nile Vision and River Boats in Cairo also received ministry approval to resume their trips.

The inspection committees will continue looking at the rest of Egypt’s floating hotels, the ones that submitted applications for the certificate.

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EgyptAir will start operating weekly flights on Saturdays between Hurghada and Hungary’s capital of Budapest, starting next week in light of Egypt’s efforts in promoting tourism to the country.

According to an official statement by the national carrier on Tuesday, the flight will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A220-300, which is capable of accommodating 140 passengers.

Two weekly fights between Cairo and Budapest are already being operated on Fridays and Tuesdays.

Egypt wishes that with the resumption of regular flights soon, the tourism sector can be boosted amid the pandemic.