Despite tourism falling 40% y-o-y in 1Q2016, the Tourism Ministry aims to attract 12 mn tourist by the end of 2017 with a six-point plan, Tourism Minister Yehia Rashed tells Reuters. “The first quarter is down about 40% compared to last year. However, there is a positive with every negative. The Gulf business is up about 45% from last year,” said Rashed, a veteran hotelier who joined cabinet in the recent shuffle. The minister did not mention what the six points entail exactly, but noted they would include increasing the presence of national carrier EgyptAir abroad, working with low-cost airlines, and improving services.