Beach resort in Sharm el-Sheikh,
Beach resort in Sharm el-Sheikh,AFP file

According to a report by AFP on Friday, tourists visiting the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt were urged to stay inside their hotels in wake of the violent protests staged for today.

These resorts were not under the Foreign Office’s advice against travel to Egypt, as they are deemed far removed from the political turmoil centered around Cairo.

London, however, issued the new warning after a man was killed in Hurghada on Wednesday as violence swept the country following a crackdown on protests by supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Although the violence in Hurghada was away from the tourist districts, the Foreign Office said that "Hurghada police advised tourists to remain in hotel grounds. We advise you to follow their advice".

The statement continued, “You are strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to cross road blocks erected by the security forces or protestors."

There are currently around 40,000 British tourists in the Red Sea resorts, according to an estimate by British travel association ABTA.

An overnight curfew imposed on visitors this past Wednesday, has now been lifted at the resort.

British Airways said it had altered its flight schedule to take account of the night curfews in Cairo and several other provinces imposed on Wednesday.

"We are keeping the situation in Egypt under constant review. As a result of the night curfew in Cairo we have altered our flying schedule to avoid the late evenings," a spokeswoman for British Airways said said.