Culture

Russia/Ukraine war: Tourism flow to Egypt expected to decline by 35%

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

Egypt’s tourism sector is facing fallout due to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Since Russia launched a full-scale military invasion into Ukraine on February 24, Egypt’s tourism sector – a major income generator source – has been negatively impacted.

According to Vice Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, Moataz Sedky said Egyptian tourist destinations will likely be negatively impacted with tourism flow predicted to decline 35 percent.

The consequent Western sanctions imposed by European countries on Russia will lead to further deterioration of the Russian currency, Egypt Independent reports.

Sanctions also banned Russian transfers on the Swift system, thereby impacting financial transfers made by Russian tourists in Egypt.

Price hikes in the two countries due to the war will cause Russian and Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling abroad, he explained.

However he noted that as Egypt is a receiving market for tourism, it has the ability to adapt to events.

“If we go back a little, we will find that the Eastern European market, especially Russia, tourist flow was suspended for a period of six years to Egypt due to the accident of the Russian plane that crashed in Sinai on October 31, 2015,” said Sedky.

Egypt had succeeded back then in focusing on alternative and atypical markets, and the flow of tourism rose, approaching 13 million tourists, he explained.

The total number of tourism companies operating in the Russian and Ukrainian market does not exceed three or four companies, and only one or two chains of hotels, while the rest have other markets in which they operate – so the damage caused will only be to a limited number of Egyptian hotels, he added.

The decisions taken by the Hotel Establishments Chamber to host stranded tourists in Egypt because of war, whether they are from Ukraine or Russia, will positively impact Egypt’s reputation abroad, especially since the decision has been widely reported across western social media websites.

Culture

Nicki Minaj eulogizes Davido for collaborating with her on new song

Published

14 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

American rapper, Onika Maraj, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has poured encomium on Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, aka Davido, for featuring in her track, ‘If It’s Okay”, which, according to her, gave the song an authentic Afrobeats tempo.

Nicki, who expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian singer, had, on Friday, taken to her X page to show love to Davido by posting “Thank you Davido” along with the visuals of the track.

To further show her appreciation, Nicki, while responding to a question from an X user, Tae, said the “Unavailable” singer gave the track the Afrobeat feel.

Tae had written: “What drew you to Davido for the song ‘If it’s Okay’? In my opinion, he was an ideal choice for this incredible masterpiece! He was speaking that ish.”

Responding to Tae, Nicki wrote:

“That man is an incredible writer and melody maker. It’s always a pleasure working with him because of our mutual respect for one another.

“I asked him to be a part of it in order to bring out the Afro beats tempo/feeling in it a bit more. Naija to the world.”

The track, “If it’s Okay” is part of the 10th-anniversary special edition of Nicki Minaj’s iconic album “The Pinkprint”, which was originally released in 2014.

The commemorative edition features four brand-new tracks, including collaborations with Swae Lee (Turn Ya Cap Back), David Guetta and Davido (If It’s Okay), and the late Juice WRLD (Arctic Tundra).

Culture

South African DJ Black Coffee bags World’s Best DJ 2024

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African disc jockey, DJ Black Coffee, has been named the World’s Best DJ 2024 at the Golden Moon Awards.

Reporting on the award, prominent South African tabloid, IOL, wrote:

“All hail Black Coffee from South Africa, winner of the Golden Moon award for the World’s Best DJ 2024! Black Coffee has taken the global stage by storm, blending his unique Afro-house sound with deep, soulful grooves that resonate with audiences worldwide.

“A pioneer, a visionary, and a cultural ambassador, Black Coffee continues to inspire millions, pushing boundaries and connecting the world through his music. A truly deserving icon of this prestigious honour!”

DJ Black Coffee whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, was not the only local South African entertainer who was recognised at the awards as rising star, Palesa Desiree Shilabje, popularly known as DESIREE, was also named the World’s Breakthrough Artist 2024.

On DESIREE, the tabloid said:

“DESIREE’s rise to prominence comes from her ability to craft electrifying DJ sets that seamlessly blend genres—African-inspired house, deep house, techno, and soulful rhythms.

“Her passion for diverse sounds has landed her on some of the world’s most respected stages, like DC-10, fabric, and Hï Ibiza, bringing her deep African influences to a global audience.

“Beyond her music, DESIREE proudly represents the intersex community, using her platform to inspire and educate about her experience. A truly groundbreaking artist, DESIREE is already leaving an unforgettable legacy.”

The Golden Moon Awards are held every year to select the best 100 clubs in the world and to award prizes in different categories to the major players in nightlife, individuals, clubs and associations.