Australian tourists defy Egypt travel warnings despite protests against President Mohamed Morsi Egyptian protesters rally calling for the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi react as they watch his speech on a screen near the presidential palace in Cairo. AUSTRALIANS are continuing to travel to Egypt despite government warnings to reconsider their trips in the wake of deadly protests and violent unrest. At least 16 people were reported killed and 200 wounded in an attack on a demonstration next to Cairo University early on Wednesday and seven people were killed in the capital's southern Guizeh district earlier in the week. More than 900 people have now been injured as protests against President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, continue to escalate. Many Egyptians fear he is trying to turn the country into a hardline Islamist nation. Travel companies said tourists were undeterred however and were continuing with their tours, with some changes to hotels and itineraries to avoid the unrest. The Australian Government upgraded its travel warning for Egypt to "reconsider your need to travel" - the second-highest level before "do not travel" - following the deadly violence. It also advised Australians already in Egypt to consider leaving. Clashes between supporters and opponents of President Morsi began on the anniversary of his inauguration on Sunday. The protests have centred around Tahrir Square in Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is located. Trafalgar managing director Matt Cameron-Smith said he had received advice from ground operators that while the situation was tense and no-one could predict what would happen in coming days there was strong security in place and the places visited in the itinerary were quiet, with no concerns or inconvenience. "We have moved a couple of hotels to be doubly sure but all reports so far are that our trip is unaffected," he said. We called everybody who was travelling and those about to travel, along with their travel agents, to make sure they were aware of what was happening and they all said they were going to go. Mr Cameron-Smith said it would have to be a stronger alert before the company cancelled trips. "We have a duty of care and we're taking every precaution," he said. If we don't think it is safe we won't go there. Intrepid Travel spokeswoman Amanda Linardon said the company had not cancelled any tours to Egypt yet, but it had changed hotels to ensure travellers were kept away from the demonstrations and cancelled trips to the museum. Cox &Kings corporate director Nigel Loveday, which runs Tempo Holidays, said all its passengers were safe and enjoying their holidays without disruption. Egypt is suffering an economic crisis with regular blackouts, fuel shortages, rising living costs and jobs shortages. The opposition claims more than 22 million Egyptians have signed a petition calling on the president to quit. But the president has rejected the military's demands for him to resign. If he doesn't end the crisis the army plans to dissolve parliament, rewrite the constitution and hold new elections. Foreign Minister Bob Carr advised Australians in Egypt to avoid involvement in street protests, even as an observer. "Australians should particularly avoid the vicinity of Tahrir Square in Cairo and other public places where rallies may be held," he said. Australians have also been warned to avoid Egypt's North Sinai region due to an increased risk of terrorism. Travellers who choose to stay in Egypt should stay alert, register their travel with the Australian embassy in Cairo and monitor instructions or advice from Egyptian authorities or Australian consular staff. For the latest travel advice for Egypt or to register your travel plans go to smartraveller.gov.au