The New Jewel in Egypt's Crown

Sharm el Sheikh is a now a well-established holiday resort on the south coast of the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt. In 1980, there was practically no sign of any tourist industry at all - it was just a small port town. However, in the 80's large sums of money was invested in the area, resorts were constructed and large chains of restaurants and up-market hotels, such as the Marriott, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, were persuaded to start up in the area, helping to begin pull in tourists from abroad.

Today, roughly 100 resorts exist in the area, compared to 3 in 1982. Of course, it wasn't just the opening of hotels and restaurants that led to a boom. The area needed a wide portfolio of qualities to become a major player in the tourism industry. The hot, dry climate was one major factor - as well as the miles and miles of natural sandy white beaches. The dramatic terrain, with Mount Sinai part of the backdrop, was another draw that gave the area an attractive, romantic image rather than just being another town in the middle of the desert.

Being on the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh has a wide variety of water sports on offer, including water-skiing, paragliding and jet skiing. However, it is largely via the help of scuba diving and snorkelling that holidays in Sharm el Sheikh have become famous for water sports. Many varieties of fish and beautiful large coral reefs make the undersea kingdom here extremely varied and enjoyable to swim in.

Tourism in the area is continuing to thrive. With visitors from all around the World, Sharm el Sheikh is a wonderful resort with plenty to offer holiday-makers all year round.

Amy Scott has over 15 years experience in the travel industry. She loves the Mediterranean and North Africa and especially likes to write about holidays to Tenerife and Sharm El Sheik.