Guangzhou airport reports massive jump in Egyptian tourist numbers

The number of Egyptian tourists entering China through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has more than doubled this year, as overall passenger traffic between Egypt and the southern Chinese aviation hub reached a record high.

More than 4,000 Egyptian tourists have entered the country through the airport since the start of the year, up over 106 percent year-on-year, according to the Guangzhou Baiyun Immigration Inspection Station.

Overall, Egyptian nationals made more than 40,000 inbound and outbound trips through the airport during the period, an increase of 13.5 percent year-on-year and a record high for the same period.

Business and tourism were the two leading purposes for Egyptian visitors entering China through the airport, together accounting for more than 67.7 percent of arrivals, the station said.

"I have been running a business in China for 11 years and frequently travel between China and Egypt," an Egyptian businessman said.

"The immigration clearance process is becoming more convenient, and the facilities and environment are continuously improving."

Travel is also increasing in the other direction. The number of Chinese travelers departing from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport for Egypt rose 32.8 percent year-on-year so far this year, according to the station.

Growing air connectivity has supported the increase in two-way travel. EgyptAir currently operates a daily nonstop service between Guangzhou and Cairo, with an average passenger load factor of 88 percent.

Additional code-sharing arrangements have expanded flight options and made travel between the two countries more convenient, the station said.

The growth comes as China and Egypt mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.