Hesham Gabr, founder and owner of Camel Dive Club & Hotel, recently published an update on the current situation and announced the official reopening date. The announcement also encouraged early booking of dive holidays for next year, when it will be possible to travel, dive, and vacation freely and safely.
Dear Guests and Friends of Camel,
It's with a heavy heart that I feel the strong need to address you directly today. I haven't had the opportunity to do so very often.
Since Camel opened in 1986, we've faced numerous challenges. The last decade, in particular, has been extremely challenging due to the events in Egypt, particularly in Sinai.
This time we are faced with an unprecedented event, which has shaken the entire world and forced us to temporarily close all our diving and hotel operations on March 19th.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill, and tourism has been the hardest hit of all major economic sectors. Many businesses have been forced to close, many people have lost their jobs, and some have lost their lives.
Although the current situation has significantly improved, flight uncertainty remains a major obstacle to tourism recovery. For these reasons, I have decided to set a Camel Dive Club & Hotel reopening date: March 20, 2021.
We sincerely hope that by then we will all be able to travel, dive, dine out, and enjoy our holidays in freedom and safety.
My main priority since our temporary closure has been the support of all Camel staff. It is my staff who make the entire Camel experience possible, what you have all loved for nearly forty years together. Without my staff, Camel would not exist.
I'm not willing to lose my staff and will protect them at all costs, no matter how difficult it is. Every member of my staff is unique, I think you'll agree. I've taken responsibility for ensuring that each of them, including freelance instructors, is supported and receives some form of income. I don't want the people on my team to feel like a door has been closed in their face.
I've read that many countries offer government subsidies and initiatives to help small and medium-sized businesses. Unfortunately, I assure you, this isn't the case in Egypt.
I have therefore made the only ethically possible decision, which requires me to support as best I can those who have supported me over the years, contributing in a fundamental way to Camel's success.
After all, we are part of an extended family, the Camel family.
I've therefore decided to turn to banks for various loans. This decision obviously entails a heavy financial burden, especially at a time when there's no income and the cost of living is rising. The financial strain is enormous, but on the day we reopen, I want to reopen surrounded by my entire Camel family; I see no other way.
I'm sorry to have to share this news. I know many of you had planned vacations for the coming months. However, given the circumstances, I truly believe this is the best decision for the future of Camel and for the safety of both our guests and staff.
But there's always a silver lining: thanks to this long hiatus, the underwater world is now even more spectacular.
We're here for YOU and look forward to seeing you again to enjoy the unbeatable diving of the Red Sea.
I really hope to see you all in 2021, we need your support now more than ever.
We look forward to hearing from you again so you can book your holidays for next year. We both need you to pack your bags, dust off your logbook, and FINALLY TURN ON UNDERWATER MODE!
Please tell your friends and family, and get them involved in your passion.
Best wishes for the future to you, your family, and your loved ones.
For further information, please contact the Camel Dive Club & Hotel Team directly: info@cameldive.com
