Tourism is one of the leading sources of income in Egyptian economy. Keeping the economy aside for a moment, Egypt’s streets, beaches, people, history and culture is surely a picture worth seeing. This is a country that is home to many tourist attractions such as the Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Valley of the kings, temples in Aswan, the coast of Sinai, the Red Sea, every single city (not just including Cairo), and quite honestly the list of the wonders in Egypt could go on and on without any end in sight.
Photo from Egypt Today
In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities organized a one-hour bike marathon in Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai on Friday.
This event included the participation of 30 ambassadors, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani and Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Manar, according to Egypt Today.
During the bike marathon, the participants passed by breathtaking beaches and other tourist attractions. Al-Anani had also promised the first place winner, the Ambassador of Cameroon, that he’d get to be the first to see the new archaeological discovery in the Saqqara area in early October.
What Is World Tourism Day?
World Tourism Day, ever since 1980, has been celebrated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization on September 27. Basically, the decision to celebrate this was seen as a milestone in global tourism. This year in particular, tourism has been one of the hardest hit sectors around the world due to the COVID-19 health pandemic.
Between restricted travel, a drop in consumer demand, people losing their jobs, and businesses shutting down, the world was faced with major economic challenges.
“On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time,” said the United Nations.
This particular edition of World Tourism Day will revolve around the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development” to celebrate the role that tourism plays outside ‘big’ cities, such as cultural and natural heritage sites around the world. As per the UN, countries around the world are looking to tourism to be part of the post COVID-19 recovery and this includes rural communities.
World Tourism Day Is Every Day In Egypt
In Egypt, we are practically surrounded by historical landmarks, breathtaking scenes and a long history. By default, this makes Egypt one of the most touristic destinations in the world. In recent news, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working to transform Giza into a center for world tourism. According to Egypt Today, the ministry wants to “transform the area surrounding the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum into a tourist service area of the highest international standards.” One of the plans include establishing a cable car that’ll link the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids Plateau, and the plateau with hotels. Currently, they are researching how this can be done without disrupting the archaeological area or reforming any of its historical identity.
Photo from @9pyramidslounge
The Pyramids Plateau is one of the newest developments in tourism in Egypt. Basically, it includes restaurants, cafes, and services such as shopping outlets. In late July, Al-Anani explained that 9pyramidslounge is one of the first restaurants that’ll be opening in the area.
According to Egyptian Streets, 9 Pyramids Lounge is one of the many LE400 million renovation plans the government has been working on in this area.
Interestingly, when such sites are emphasized and renovated for tourism, they bring more than just tourism itself. For instance, the Pyramids of Giza are also set to be a site for a contemporary art exhibition in October 2021 called “Forever is Now” by Art D’Egypte. As per The National, the art show is going to focus on the impact that ancient Egypt had on the creative communities today. “It will feature a trail of works by Egyptian and international artists installed across the Giza Plateau.” Back in 2017, Art D’Egypte had their first exhibition called “Eternal Light” at the famous Egyptian Museum in Tahrir which compared museum artifacts with modern work by regional artists.
Photo from Egypt Tours Portal – Hurghada
But here’s the thing, Egypt is not just about the Pyramids, museums, historical monuments, pharaohs and Ancient Egyptian history. The city life and coastal areas are just as exciting in so many ways.
The beaches in Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Dahab, El Gouna, Taba, Soma Bay and many others, have been recognized as world-class beaches. Generally, the weather is warm for most of the year and hence, beach areas are lucky enough to enjoy months of activities.
Photo from Globe Trove
When it comes to city life, the adventure doesn’t stop here either. Between Khan el-Khalili and Al Moez Street, Egypt’s famous bazaar-like souq, and Souq el Fustat, an iconic center for crafts and art (that is quite close to some of the oldest churches, including the famous Hanging Church), there is magic in every corner.
There are many other special, touristic places of worship such as Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Mosque of Amr ibn al-As.
The aforementioned places are only a fraction of what the cities hold, and that’s only counting Cairo. Let’s not forget the beautiful walks one can have by Alexandria’s Corniche for instance. It’s a true fact that in every corner of every city in Egypt, there is some kind of story and history to the places and spaces.
Tourism-Based Initiatives Around Egypt
Recently, the State Ministry of Information launched the second phase of a project called “News in a Picture” in celebration of World Tourism Day. Basically, the initiative is encouraging talented photographers to take pictures showing tourism in Egypt. Some of the rules include that the photo has to have been taken this year, and the photo can’t be modified in a way that changes its elements.
However, light modifications that don’t change the meaning of the image are allowed. Participants can send a total of five photos to WPD@smoinfo.gov.eg. If you’re someone who is into photography, then grab your camera and get going!
Perhaps one of the things you can consider taking photos of can have to do with ecotourism. Interestingly, The Environment Ministry is also working on promoting nature reserves and ecotourism in the country. Yasmine Fouad, the minister, explained that there is a three-year campaign that is introducing eco-friendly destinations in Egypt to encourage tourists to visit these locations.
According to Ahram Online, the first phase of the campaign will look into promoting 13 natural reserves in Egypt. This is all going to work hand in hand in raising public awareness on how important protecting the environment is. It will also serve as a way to learn more about the economic, social and cultural developments happening in that particular scene when it comes to ecotourism.
Egypt Is A Country You Absolutely Must ‘Follow’
Egypt is basically all about the view, from places in the city, such as Khan El Khalili to the beach and coastal areas. Almost every inch of the country is picturesque in its own special ways, and thanks to social media, there are dozens of Instagram accounts dedicated to covering the beauty of this country. Here are a few accounts we’d recommend you take a look at!
@EGYPT
2. @visitegypte
@visitegypte
4. @myegypt
@myegypt
Impact Of COVID-19 On Tourism In Egypt
It goes without saying that COVID-19 had an impact on the economy of every single country, including Egypt. Inevitably when the virus hit the country back in March, many businesses had to temporarily shut down, and schools, universities and work moved to ‘online’ and ‘work from home’. However, despite the challenges, Egypt is actually managing to keep the economy up and running.
Recently, businesses including those in tourism, hospitality, cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities are opening up with precautionary measures. According to Ahram Online, a report by Goldman Sachs in early September said that Egypt’s economy is growing to the point where it can be among the “strongest emerging markets”. The report explained that this is due to the economic reform programme that was established by the country back in November 2016.
“The report revealed that while about $20 billion exited the Egyptian market from March through June, amid the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, around $10 billion returned in recent months, with projections of an improvement in Egyptian expat remittances,” wrote Ahram Online.
When it comes to tourism, the report predicted that this particular sector would be able to bounce back on the third quarter of 2021 having been impacted by COVID-19. Tourism has been re-opened in recent months with precautionary measures, especially in hotels. Tourist attractions have also re-opened but with limited numbers and set capacities depending on the location. Generally, all people are required to be wearing masks alongside social distancing rules and access to sanitizers and disinfectants.
