Believing that protected areas are a major tourism asset and that tourism can significantly contribute in providing the funding needed to improve their biological diversity, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has recently announced that it will be raising the admission fees to these areas.

This is among the immense efforts that the ministry is exerting to respond to the increasing interests of travelers in nature, and the steady growth forecast in this industry. These efforts include acting as an effective tool in the conservation management of protected areas, in addition to raising the awareness of their value.

The protected areas in reference are Ras Mohamed, Wadi el Gemal, Saint Catherine, and Wadi El Hetan. The new fees will be effective as of 30/6/2011.