Egypt’s bazaar looks forward to return of travelers

CAIRO — Shop owners in Khan el-Khalili, one of the most famed tourist bazaars in the Egyptian capital Cairo, are expecting the return of Chinese tourists after China opened up its borders beginning Sunday.

Located in the heart of Cairo’s old Islamic district, the centuries-old market used to be filled with tourists from all over the world.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the market lose its vibrant edge.

Amr Dahi, who sells precious stones and copper artifacts in the market, said his shop used to enjoy good business before the pandemic.

“Before the spread of COVID-19, the business was good as large numbers of tourists, especially Chinese, flocked here,” he said.

He looks forward to the return of Chinese tourists who may help boost his flagging business.

China used to be the fourth-largest source of tourists to Egypt, with hundreds of thousands coming each year for its historical sites and sunny sandy beaches.

“Chinese tourists constitute a large percentage of buyers,” Dahi said. “They would spend a lot on buying antiques and gifts.”

Mohammed Saleh, owner of a traditional Egyptian restaurant in Khan el-Khalili, said Chinese people are very friendly.

“They love Egyptian traditions and prefer traditional Egyptian food and are always keen to try it,” he said. He recalled when the market’s alleyways were bustling with Chinese tourists.

“We pray that Chinese tourists will return so that the situation will improve,” Saleh said.

In 2019, tourism revenues in Egypt hit a record high of $13.03 billion, with 13.1 million tourists. The pandemic had battered Egypt’s tourism sector.

During the first half of last year, about 4.9 million tourists visited the country, an increase of 85.4 percent compared to the same period in 2021, Egypt’s official statistics agency said.

They (Chinese tourists) love Egyptian traditions and prefer traditional Egyptian food and are always keen to try it.”

Mohammed Saleh,

owner of a traditional Egyptian restaurant in Khan el-Khalili