A hot air balloon accident left 19 tourists dead in Egypt. The incident may impact tourism to the tourism-reliant country.
Nineteen people from places such as Britain, France, Hong Kong and Japan died when the hot air balloon exploded just outside the city of Luxor. It is not clear what caused this latest explosion and crash.
In 2009, all hot air balloons were banned in Luxor following several crashes. This ban occurred due to the risk of flying in high wind and new safety standards were put in place. This latest incident is likely to impact tourism according to Peter Lilley, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa Travel Association (MENATA), the Telegraph reports.
"Sadly balloon accidents can happen anywhere," Lilley told the Telegraph. "There may be a short term effect - people will think twice about booking, but only for the next week or so. As is the way with these things, confidence will soon return."
Tourism in Egypt took a dip after the Arab Spring riots but it had been showing signs of recovery. About 11.5 million traveled to Egypt last year which was a 17 percent increase from 2011. However 14.7 million had visited in 2009.
Despite an increase in tourism, protests are still occurring in the country. Protests in Cairo and other cities have occurred sporadically since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in 2011.
A protest occurred just last month in Cairo when a court sentenced 21 soccer fans to death. Last week protestors took to the streets in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada after a local man died.
The election of Mohamed Morsi is also feared to reduce tourism. Morsi's Freedom and Justice Party has strong ties to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and politicians are calling for cans on alcohol and unisex beaches, which may turn off tourists.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
