Red Sea Tourists Face Threat of Egypt's National Strike

A picture made available on 02 February 2011 of foreign tourists enjoying their holiday in the seaside resort Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt on 01 February 2011. EPA/BGNES

Foreign tourists, including Bulgarians, holidaying in what they consider to be the safe Red Sea resorts in the ripped by violence Egypt, could be caught up in a national strike planned for Sunday.

Protestors who have gathered in Cairo and other major cities again to demand the immediate resignation of President Mubarak are calling for all workers to stage a one day strike over the weekend.

The popular sunspots of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and others on the Red Sea have so far been unaffected by the political unrest spreading across Egypt, but the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has been insisting the events pose a threat for the safety and lives for the Bulgarian tourists.

Holidaymakers in the Red Sea resorts could find services affected if hotel and other resort staff heed the call for a mass walkout.

Meanwhile hundreds foreigners are expected to flee Cairo this weekend as mass demonstrations in the capital, which have already led to thousands of casualties, continue.

Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry has said it might send a second government plane to evacuate the Bulgarian citizens who want to leave Egypt, but have been unable to secure seats on commercial flights. An earlier relief flight landed at Sofia airport on Tuesday with 66 passengers onboard.

The number of Bulgarian citizens residing in Egypt is estimated at 200-300 but Bulgaria is evacuating only those wishing to leave the country.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!