KHALED HASSANEIN
CEO of Air Leisure
Tourism / Egypt
“Egypt can attract up to one million Chinese tourists.”
Equipped with 200 aircrafts, Air Leisure connects Africa directly to Asia on a charter basis, without intermediate stops. A strong promoter of Chinese tourism in Egypt, CEO Khaled Hassanein, explains the expansion plan
What are Air Leisure’s activities?
Our group includes Air Leisure Airlines, focused on long-range flights and Egyptian Leisure Airlines, dedicated to domestic flights. The company has privileged traffic rights and China is key to our expansion strategy. Air Leisure has big ambitions; we are preparing for over $100 million in sales.
What is the potential for Chinese tourism in Egypt?
We already operate direct flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Hurghada. We fly from Hurghada to Aswan, without a Cairo connection. If the government organises additional flights, then we will see a big demand from China. China has a market of 1.7 billion; we already have demand from Guangzhou, Tianjin and Xi’an.
How large are your current operations?
Last year we transported 40,000 passengers. We work with 1,200 tour agents and have a five-year agreement with Beijing Global Tours. We will work tirelessly to do everything possible to make Egypt a valuable destination. With our government’s support, Egypt can attract up to one million Chinese tourists in the short-term.
What are the key trends of Chinese tourism in Egypt?
The Chinese are new to our market and are interested in our history, so we promote this in China. We have signed an exclusive deal with Zahi Hawass, the world’s best archaeologist. His fame is boosting numbers.
What is your message to Chinese investors?
Egypt is safe and Egyptians are very welcoming. Our country offers something for everyone.
