Egyptian Ministry of Tourism spokesperson Omaima El-Houssieny said that the Arab Tourism Organisation named the Red Sea resort of Hurghada as the capital of Arab summer holiday destinations in 2017. The Arab Tourism Organisation said that Hurghada was chosen due to its security, services, infrastructure and hospitality, according to the organisation. "This is expected to boost tourism activity in the city up to 30 percent in light of the upcoming carnivals and events planned to celebrate the Arab Organisation's decision," El-Houssieny stated. So what makes Hurghada an appropriate choice for the capital of Arab summer holiday destinations? Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters that are perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada a busy resort town. Tourists enjoy on a beach at the Bella Vista Hotel in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, Egypt, January 9, 2016. Two armed assailants attacked a hotel in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Hurghada on Friday, wounding three foreign tourists. (Reuters) Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous development in the past decade. It is a relatively easy beach escape for Arabs and Europeans, and some of the world's best diving and snorkelling sites are just offshore. Walk or catch a cab to explore the old quarter, El-Dahar. Have a feast of seafood lunch or dinner at the famous Al-Joker restaurant. Take a diving course and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the deep Red Sea, rich with colourful reefs and stunning marine life. A man makes his way before the first stage of the world kite boarding championship begins in Egyptís Red Sea resort of el-Gouna, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP) Take a one-day boat trip to the unspoiled Mahmya island with see-through turquoise waters, white soft sand and easy snorkelling access. If you have a few days to spare in this Red Sea paradise take a taxi and spend a day or two at El-Gouna city, just 20 minutes from Hurghada, dubbed the Red Sea Riviera, or head to the stunning Sahl Hasheesh honeymooners resort. People watch the first stage of the world kite boarding championship in Egyptís Red Sea resort of el-Gouna, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP) Kiteboarder's compete during first stage of the world kite boarding championship in Egyptís Red Sea resort of el-Gouna, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP) Tourists walk at an empty beach at the coast of the Red Sea of El-Gouna in Hurghada, about 464 km (288 miles) from the capital Cairo, September 11, 2013. (Reuters) A tourist kite surfs at an empty beach at the coast of the Red Sea of El-Gouna in Hurghada, about 464 km (288 miles) from the capital Cairo, September 11, 2013. (Reuters) ourists enjoy by a pool at the Bella Vista Hotel in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, Egypt, January 9, 2016. Two armed assailants attacked a hotel in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Hurghada on Friday, wounding three foreign tourists, Egyptian officials said. (Reuters)
