Travel Agent just got off the phone with Mohamed Hegazy, Deputy Director of the Egypt Tourist Authority, to find out how the protests in Cairo are affecting tourism and what agents need to know to keep their clients safe.
"There is nothing to worry tourists," Hegazy told us. "It's a peaceful demonstration so far. It's not violent or aggressive."
The demonstrations, he added, are being conducted legally under the rules of protests, and he expects them to be over by tonight.
When asked about reports of fire hoses and tear gas being used on protesters, Hegazy said that people who violate the rules of protest and demonstrations might clash with the police. "But this is for those who are not demonstrating in adherence with the planned rules. For the rest, it's okay for them to demonstrate and condemn."
The tourism authority has not received any alerts or warnings from the government, he added, and the government remains stable despite the demonstrations.
CNN, however, is reporting that police are confiscating cameras from guests, including tourists, at the Hilton Hotel in Cairo.
Read more about the protests here and here, and stay tuned to TravelAgent for updates on the protests and how they may affect your Egypt-bound clients.