Tour operators have recorded a significant drop in the number of Russian tourists holidaying in Egypt following a number of recent shark attacks in the Sharm el-Sheikh region.
An elderly German woman was killed in the attacks at the popular diving resort and three Russians and one Ukrainian were severely injured.
"There is no doubt that the news coverage of the shark attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh has scared tourists away," Irina Sivenko, a spokeswoman for Moscow's TanTour tour agency, told RIA Novosti.
Following the attacks, the Egyptian Tourism Ministry closed all beaches in the resort to ensure the security of tourists. Local authorities said last week two sharks believed to be behind the attacks had been caught.
She said most tourists are refusing to go to Sharm el-Sheikh and other resorts in the area, although there are some who call to find out if the news has made package holidays to Egypt cheaper.
Egypt is a popular travel destination for Russians during the fall and winter months due to the country's relatively simple visa regime, warm climate, and good diving possibilities.
The shark attacks come just weeks after a bus crashed near the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada, killing nine people, including two Russians and two Ukrainians. RIA Novosti
