Recently released figures show that 9.8 million people visited Egypt last year - a 13 per cent increase from the previous year - over one million of whom came from the UK.

What's more, it is estimated that the number of tourists visiting the North African nation could top 11 million by 2010.

With all this in mind, it is no real surprise that luxury hotel chain Kempinski Hotels has recently announced that it will now have a base in Egypt, at the popular Red Sea Riviera resort of Soma Bay.

Over the years Kempinski Hotels has developed something of a reputation for entering markets with decent growth potential for the future - both in terms of tourism and property - and Egypt certainly seems to fir this bill.

"Two years ago the Egyptian Government started a large media campaign to promote Egypt and this has resulted in more tourists," says Jennette Bradbury of Egyptian Experience. "Once people visit Egypt and find just how much the country has to offer and the fact that there is guaranteed sun all the year round more tourists will see the property potential and want to invest."

So where does Bradbury see most of the property interest in Egypt being centred? "The Red Sea is currently the most popular part of the country, and this is due to the concerted marketing and the building of super new hotels in this area," she answers. What attracts people is the beautiful clear seas and the amazing coral reefs, the sun and no rain.

"There are designated areas in Egypt for the developers to build property in what are described as 'Residential Tourist Areas'. On this land only 25 per cent of the land will be built on and the apartments or villas are designed with the overseas buyer in mind."

Tahir Ali of Egypt Revealed also views the increasing tourist numbers on the Red Sea Coast as a reason why property interest is likely to grow in the country - particularly from investors. "Egypt's tourism figures are already up to 9 million plus visitors per year - which is ahead of expectations - and this coupled with the fact that Easyjet have announced flights to Sharm el Sheikh and are planning Hurghada as well will ensure that property prices will continue to rise rapidly."

On the subject of prices, property in Egypt is still very affordable at the moment. For example, villas situated in the Veranda resort (pictured), a gated community only 15 minutes from Hurghada International Airport, can be purchased from just £60,750 at the moment through Experience International, while in the Egyptian Experience resort in Sharm el Sheikh, £50,000 will buy you a 70 square metre two-bedroom apartment.

Search for property overseas

Read the latest World Property Bulletin FREE

For more information visit:
www.egyptianexperience.com
www.egypt-revealed.com
www.experience-international.com

Article first published 9 April 2008