In case you have missed it, the New Year looms; we prepare to say goodbye to 2017 and eagerly look ahead with childlike eyes to 2018.

It is the time to make our New Year’s resolutions. This is something I always struggle with. What should I choose? Eat less, work out more, spend more time in nature, meditate….? The list is endless.

2018 will be different. This year I will make it my resolution to persuade scuba divers old and new, to visit Sharm el Sheikh or to come #backtosharm. However before we move forward, I would like to take this chance to look back over some of the highlights from the last year in Sharm el Sheikh…

You may think that Sharm is quiet and just for diving, this is a very deceptive idea.

Sharm el Sheikh has hosted many conferences over the years, and 2017 was no different. I think the highlight of them this year was the televised World Youth Forum. This was an engaging platform developed to send a message of peace, prosperity and harmony to the entire world from promising youths from around the globe. It was a chance for the youth of the world, who are determined to create real change, to speak to top policy makers.

The opening ceremony was spectacular with the “Triumphal March” from the Opera Aida and keynote speakers that included the Academy Award Winning Actress Helen Hunt, amongst others. With over 3000 youths from 113 countries, it was an honorable moment for Sharm, The City of Peace, to host such an event.

Another proud event was Shark Week at Camel Dive Club. This was coordinated by the Camel Dive Club’s Eco Tribe and included activities such as underwater clean ups and a shark themed quiz at Camel Bar. The highlight was the sponsored Fin Walk where guests sponsored their dive guides to walk the 0.7km from the dive centre to the jetty in their fins!

It was hysterical and with the help of our lovely guests, Eco Tribe and Camel Dive Club raised over 350 British Pounds for the wonderful charity, Project AWARE.

In 2017, Sharm el Sheikh also saw the return of many direct flights from countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic and Scandinavia. These lucky holidaymakers have experienced Sharm at its best, with some of the best ever underwater sightings, including mola mola, sailfish and whalesharks.

The most epic event, however, was the return of the peanuts to Camel Bar. After a 7 year absence, they reappeared during a phenomenal evening in November. A celebration that featured live music from local rock band, 31 Degrees North, some roaring karaoke and dancing on peanut covered crunchy floors as well as the bar. It was a true Sharm style party.

If all of this is still not persuading you that Sharm is safe and still has a lot to offer, in 2018 I will persevere with more reasons why you should book your next holiday here.

Happy New Year to you all! See you in 2018.

Inspired? Take a look at www.cameldive.com and book your trip!