With the Met Office predicting snowfall and maximum temperatures of just 36˚Fahrenheit (2˚Celcius) by the end of the week, more and more Brits are looking to escape the cold snap and visit top winter sun hotspot- Egypt.

 

The mercury is rising fast in Egypt with temperatures of up to 36˚Celcius forecast for Sharm el Sheikh, the highly popular holiday resort located on the Sinai Peninsula. Airlines and tour operators are already seeing increasing numbers of Britons travelling to the north African nation, only 4 and a half hours by air, to soak up the sunshine and leave all the stresses of the Christmas run-up behind.

 

According to Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Zuheir Garana, an 18% increase in tourism to Egypt is expected with an impressive 14.5 million to visit by the end of 2010; a positive outlook which Steven Worboys, MD of the Egyptian property experts Experience International, supports,

 

“Egypt is certainly a destination to consider as the cold weather approaches. Ranked by The Guardian as one of the top 5 winter sun hotspots, it offers the perfect combination for individuals, couples and families alike with guaranteed sunshine, high temperatures, crystal clear waters along the Red Sea as well as a wide range of cultural and sporting activities to enjoy.” 

 

The country’s location outside of the troubled euro zone also makes Egypt highly appealing with American Express Global Foreign Exchange Services Currency Report reporting that the Egyptian pound was the 4^th most popular currency sought between Jan – Sept 2010.

 

Situated on the Sinai Peninsula, the small fishing village of Sharm has developed to become one of the greatest attraction in Egypt for tourists from all over the world especially Britons who account for 1 million visitors annually. With its dramatic mountain landscape and wide variety of tourist attractions including warm deep-blue seas and world-class diving, excellent beaches, golf, quad biking in the desert, an equestrian centre, ice skating and a national park it’s not hard to see why Sharm is so popular.

 

And not only with holiday makers but those looking for a more permanent escape from the questionable British weather. The second home market in Sharm has boomed in recent years with properties in Naama Bay, the heart of Sharm, in very high demand.

 

Apartments in the aptly named Sunny Lakes development for example are selling quickly with investors keen to secure the limited number of luxury 2 bedroom apartments currently under construction from just £71.250. Completed to the highest European standard, the low density development is located just 15 minutes walk from the public beaches of Naama Bay and affords a wide range of superb on-site amenities including 9 swimming pools, shops, restaurants, cinema, supermarket, children’s playground and 24 security.