Updated

Egypt's tourism levels are still around a third of what they once were, and despite security concerns Egypt's tourism minister insists the country's popular Red Sea resorts and Ancient Egyptian sites are "safe" and "airports are secure".

Mohamed Yehia Rashed says Germany currently represents the largest visitor market to Egypt followed by Saudi Arabia.

Chairman of Egypt's Tourism Authority Hicham al-Demairi says around 5.3 million tourists visited Egypt in 2016, and that the country is aiming to lure between 7 and 10 million this year. Rather than rely on traditional markets like the UK and Russia, he says Egypt is working on new strategies that target Latin American, Eastern European and Asian travelers.

Both were speaking to The Associated Press on Monday at the Arabian Travel Market convention in Dubai.