Bookings to Egypt have increased by 20% above 2004 levels according to The Holiday Place, one of Europe�s leading independent tour operators. Sharm el-Sheikh is experiencing the biggest surge of interest, with the winter 2005 season predicted to be at near sell-out levels.

Despite safety concerns following the bombings that affected the Egyptian resort community on the 23rd of July, travellers are being drawn by the incredible bargains being offered by the five-star properties that line the Sinai and mainland coasts. A one-week stay at a five-star hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh is currently available for �359 � down almost 50% from last year.

Also growing in popularity are two-centre holidays that tie a cultural stay in Cairo or Luxor with a sun-drenched resort break.

Ajay Kawa, sales director of The Holiday Place says: �The rise of low-cost airlines has transformed the British consumer into a savvy shopper when it comes to finding deals. Egyptian resorts are offering some of the best prices around, and security is tighter than it�s ever been.

�The people of Sharm have really come together to show that terrorism won�t break them � and holidaymakers have responded by booking more packages to the destination than ever before.

�Whether it�s a relaxing getaway or a bit of history and culture, Egypt has so many options to choose from.�

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, �359 HALF-BOARD UPGRADE FOR JUST �10 PER PERSON! Enjoy the charms of Sharm-El-Sheikh with a five-star stay at the Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort. See the sights of the Sinai Peninsula in this stunning property situated directly on the Red Sea. A seven-night trip is available for just �359 per person, based on two sharing on a B&B basis. An upgrade to stay on a half-board basis is available for just �10 per person with children upgraded free of charge. Price includes return flights, the services of a rep, transfers and taxes. Departures available until 16-31 October from London Gatwick. Book through The Holiday Place (020 7644 1793/www.theholidayplace.co.uk).

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, �499 Explore the wonders of the Sinai Peninsula while staying in Sharm el-Sheikh at the five-star Hilton Dreams resort. Snorkel in the Red Sea and discover an underwater world of breathtaking coral or simply lie on a beach and soak in the sun. A seven-night trip costs just �499 per person, based on two sharing on a B&B basis. Price includes return flights, the services of a rep, transfers and taxes. Departures available 16-21 October from London Gatwick. Book through The Holiday Place (020 7644 1793/www.theholidayplace.co.uk).

THREE CENTRE � NILE CRUISE & LUXOR & CAIRO, FROM �849 Combine the ultimate Egypt sightseeing trip onboard a four-star cruise through Esna, Edfu and Aswan�s treasures before disembarking for a four-star stay at the Sheraton Luxor. Then pack in the pyramids and a shopping trip to Khan-al-Khalili at the end of the trip while staying at the five-star Movenpick Media City. Jet off for 14 nights for just �849 per person, based on two sharing (seven nights Nile Cruise full-board, four nights Luxor B&B & three nights Cairo B&B). Price includes return flights, the services of a rep, transfers and taxes. Departures available now until 15 October from London Heathrow. Book through The Holiday Place (020 7644 1793/www.theholidayplace.co.uk).

All prices subject to availability and correct at time of publication

- Ends � Notes to editors: About The Holiday Place

The Holiday Place PLC is one of Europe's top independent tour operators, offering exotic package and tailor made holidays to a wide variety of worldwide destinations. The company specialises in holidays to Cuba, Egypt, The Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Dubai.

Founded in 1986 to offer quality packages at competitive prices, coupled with a personal and reliable service, The Holiday Place has retained a small company ethos despite achieving excellent growth. The company has doubled its turnover since 2002, and appeared in The Sunday Times Fast Track of Britain�s fastest growing companies in 2004.

The Holiday Place�s staff offer unparalleled destination knowledge, and the company enjoys an exceptionally low staff turnover, with over half the employees having worked at the company for over 7 years. The Holiday Place is one of the longest established British tour operators to Cuba, and is currently the UK market leader in holidays to Cuba.

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