The General Authority for Investment (GAFI) is discussing methods for putting  Taba and Nuweiba on the global investment map for tourism and investment, according to Hany Gawish, member of the Nuweiba-Taba Tourism Investors Association.

Gawish said the region has 70 hotels under construction, 28 of which are currently on hold due to bureaucratic procedures.

He added that the region has only seven hotels currently in operation.  The government’s support would help reopen 28 hotels, providing more jobs for villagers in the area.

Gawish met with Mohammed Khudair, chairperson of GAFI, last week to discuss issues facing  the region.

During the meeting, Gawish asked for the establishment of a private commercial area in the region, which could  help boost  trade.

Daily News Egypt obtained a copy of a statement issued by the Nuweiba-Taba Tourism Investors Association stating that GAFI’s new president has started to communicate effectively with all government institutions to reach solutions and  resolve crises and obstacles faced by investors in the region.

Sami Suleiman, head of the Taba and Nuweiba Investors Association, said the region is considered the most vital and attractive for tourism in Egypt. He claims that it is a gateway for 25% of tourism to Egypt, but it is deprived of the government’s support and neglected by investment.

Suleiman explained that he will present new projects aimed at revitalising the region, as well as ways in which to work with state bodies in solving issues. The association will also have an economic and security role in the development of the region.