Egypt

Brett Forbes

RCPT 301: Intro to Tourism

10/25/2019
 Introduction and Motivation

The country of Egypt has countless reasons for tourists from all over the world to visit the

beautiful nation. Many people believe that there is not much more to do in Egypt than visit the

great pyramids, but they could not be more wrong. Egypt is full of museums, history, and

incredible beaches and landscapes, and rich culture. I would love to visit Egypt to experience the

diverse and exciting culture, and to relax and explore. Egypt has some of the best natural

landscapes in the world to explore, from the vast Sahara Desert to several of the most pristine

and beautiful beaches. I have always loved exploring and experiencing nature, and I am most

comfortable outdoors.I have never left the United States before and during this trip I hope to

learn about more diverse cultures and environments. I would like to be more willing to

experience new things and expand my horizons. Egypt also has very moderate temperatures and

little rainfall during peak travel times, making it an ideal destination.

Area History and Customs

As we all know, Egypt has some of the deepest and most interesting history of anywhere

in the world. Ancient Egyptian history is still taught in schools all over the globe, and the ancient

pyramids are a wonder of the ancient world. Egyptian history begins as far back as prehistoric

times, and is still thriving as a successful modern country. Ancient Egypt was a much different

place than it is today, it’s border extended to Sudan, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and

Israel. It is possible that prehistoric humans roamed Egypt as long as 100,000 years ago, and the

first villages appeared around 7,000 years ago. Over a period of thousands of years, Egypt was

ruled by 30 different dynasties until 332 B.C.E. when Alexander the Great took over the country
and made it part of the Macedonian Empire, and ruled by descendants of one of his generals after

his death, including Cleopatra, until she died in 30 B.C.E when the country became part of the

Roman Empire. Ancient Egyptian religion followed many gods and was focused heavily on the

underworld, where they believed the dead could reach paradise and eternal life. This is why the

mummification process was so common. There are many religious ancient temples, monuments,

and tombs to visit due to their various religions over time. The country has also had periods of

other religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Greek and Roman gods have been introduced as

well (Jarus, 2016).

In 1517, Egypt was conquered by the Ottomans, and they ruled until 1796, when the

Egyptian people revolted and became a semi-independent nation within the Ottoman Empire.

Napoleon arrived in Egypt in 1798 and opened the eyes of the Egyptian people to the modern

wonders of the western world, however many areas were far too poor to afford most of this

technology. In 1805, Mohamed Ali took over Egypt backed by the country’s people. He ruled for

44 years and is considered the father of modern Egypt. In the late 19th century, Egypt was

extremely poor and had to let Britain and France to have more control over their government. In

June of 1953, Egypt became a republic and unfortunately remained a poor country for years to

follow. Eventually the British and French withdrew from Egypt after pressure from the United

Nations (Isseroff, 2003).

Egypt and it’s government are full supporters of tourism in their country. They possess

many significant historical sites as well as beautiful landscapes and nature that they are eager to

share with the world. Despite the struggles that their tourism industry has had in recent decades

due to terrorism, it is a massive part of their economy and has been improving since 2013.
Tourism in Egypt accounts for 9% of the country's employment and 11% of it’s economic

performance. It is so crucial to the country that they have passed a law making it illegal to harass

tourists. Egypt has many different customs than we do in the United States. Public displays of

affection (PDA) is frowned upon, even holding hands. They also expect people to dress

modestly; people should only wear shorts near the beach, and have their shoulders covered. This

applies to both genders. A very interesting custom is that your left hand is used for “unclean”

things such as using the bathroom and putting your shoes on, meaning you should not eat with

your left hand, regardless of which hand is your dominant one. You are also expected to tip for

many services, even those as simple as opening a door for you. This is due to tips being a large

part of many people’s income in Egypt (Roughguides, 2018).

Tourist Attractions

Egypt is full of ancient history, gorgeous beaches, and incredible landscapes. Obviously

the most notable attraction is the Great Pyramids of Giza. These pyramids are one of the world’s

most notable landmarks. These massive structures are guarded by the Sphinx, and were built as

tombs for Pharaohs. Many people still wonder how they were created, some say by the aid of

aliens, but most sensible people know that they were created by slave workers. Not only is it one

of the most impressive things one can see, it also provides an opportunity to learn about Egypt’s

deep history. No trip to Egypt will feel complete without visiting these incredible monuments.

One of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts is the Egyptian Museum.

Located in the capital of Egypt, Cairo, it contains more than 120,000 items from ancient Egypt.

These include examples of original papyrus and ancient coins, and more notably the King Tut
collection which shows his gold death mask as well as his sarcophagus. This museum also has

mummies on display, including eleven kings and queens. This museum is one of the biggest

tourist attractions in the country, attracting over 1.5 million tourists annually as well as 500

thousand local visitors. This museum offers opportunity for discovery and education on Egypt’s

interesting and unique history, as well as learning about the country’s culture.

Another incredible ancient attraction is the Valley of Kings, which is where kings and

nobles were placed in tombs for nearly five centuries. Each of these tombs is filled with

depictions and art of ancient Egyptian deities and ceremonies which has allowed historians to

learn much more about ancient history. These tombs are not all open at once, in order to preserve

them amid the massive amount of tourists that visit, so you can only expect to visit a handful of

them. This still makes for an incredible experience and is well worth the journey to see these

beautiful works of art.

One of the most stunning coastal experiences lies within the waters of the Red Sea Reef.

These crystal clear waters make for impeccable views of the exotic seascape below the surface.

There are many resorts lining this diverse ecosystem, making it very accessible to visitors for

scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions. One reason that this area is such a popular place to go

diving is the fact that the water rarely drops below 71 degrees Fahrenheit and the water is so

clear that sometimes you can see to depths as low as 130 feet into the water. With many of the

world’s coral reefs are struggling due to pollution and global warming, the Red Sea has remained

surprisingly stable and has hundreds of species of fish and coral that are found nowhere else on

Earth. The best part of this once in a lifetime experience is how shockingly affordable it is as the

country attempts to revive tourism from its recent struggles (Macdonald, 2019).
 Egypt also has an abundance of annual festivals, events and holidays. The capital of

Egypt, Cairo, hosts one of the largest festivals in the country, the Cairo Jazz Festival. Each

March the city hosts many of the regions most notable performers from all over the world,

including artists from Denmark, Japan, Portugal, and several more. This event is also an

opportunity for children to be taught music and even perform. The festival “aims to spread jazz

and have it reach more people; not only as a music genre, but as a thought and a life experience

with its ideas, freedom of expression and innovation (Ismail, 2017).” In December, Egypt hosts a

five day festival showcasing the best Egyptian dances of the year, along with choreography

workshops and seminars. Unlike many large American festivals, Egypt often has classes and

opportunities for amateur artists to learn and network with professionals at their various artistic

events. A very wholesome holiday in Egypt is Sham al-Naseem, which translates to “sniffing the

breeze.” This event each March signifies the arrival of spring and encourages Egyptians

everywhere to spend the day outside and enjoy traditional food and observe street performers and

artists throughout the country.

Overview of Tourism Development

As previously stated, tourism is currently a very substantial part of Egypt’s economy,

with 9% of the country employed by the industry, and 11% of it’s economic performance

credited to tourism (TUI, 2018). According to 2018 predictions, the industry may create nearly

one million new jobs over the next ten years. Egypt currently welcomes over nine million

visitors annually, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2016. The country is currently investing

heavily into the industry, showing that they aim to continue to depend on tourism heavily. The
focus now is concentrated in cultural tourism due to the abundance of history and religion

available for study. Magnificent tombs and museums are the cornerstone of Egyptian tourism,

and these investments will make these even more accessible and modernized. Egypt possesses a

variety of one of a kind natural attractions, from beaches and reefs, to incredible desert

landscapes. The government is working hard to create more parks and conservation sites so they

can preserve these wonders for generations to come (TUI, 2018).

Last year saw a 16.5% growth in the Travel and Tourism sector following a record

breaking growth of 54.8% in 2017. To put this in perspective, the global average growth is a

mere 3.9% (WTTC, 2019). This is largely due to improvements in security and hotel

infrastructure which has encouraged heavy amounts of visitors. In 2018 Egypt’s Ministry of

Tourism started a new fund for improvements in tourism infrastructure. The purpose of this fund

is to improve services from hotels, attractions, and anything related to travel in the country.

Egypt is still recovering from the last decade which was a struggle for Egypt due to safety

concerns. Many travelers avoided the country because of issues with terrorism deeming it unsafe

to visit.

According to the Global Economy, Egypt;s roads were rated at about a 5 out of 7 in

quality, which is quite an improvement from 2016, in which they only received a 3 out of 7. One

way that Egypt is not improving is their share of clean energy. In 1994 nearly ten percent of the

country's energy came from alternative sources to fossil fuels, and that figure is down to less than

six percent in 2015. While the economy seems to be improving, they have been experiencing

inflation in recent years. In 2012 the exchange rate was one dollar (USD) was worth just over

five Egyptian Pounds. Currently, one U.S. dollar is worth approximately sixteen Egyptian
Pounds in 2019, however, the inflation forecast predicts that the Pound will soon return to

something closer to what it was in 2012. The country is becoming more modern in terms of

internet usage as well, which indicates modernization and more promotion of the country’s

attractions. Around 45% of Egyptians use the internet now, compared to 26% in 2012. This can

also be credited to technological advancements and accessibility (Global Economy, 2019).

While it may seem that tourism has done nothing but help Egypt, there are negative

impacts as well. Egypt deals with increased water and noise pollution across the country, which

can damage the beautiful Red Sea Reef and all of the ecosystems that it holds. This also affects

the Nile River, which is a popular cruise destination. These cruises and other attractions can

provide cities with a massive amount of jobs, such as Luxor. The tourism industry employed

42% of Luxor residents in 1998 and is vital to the economy, but that does not mean the industry

does not cause harm. Tourists are encouraged by locals to explore the Nile via sailing, which is

often provided by locals, so not only does it help the waters, it helps local communities. By

responsibly exploring the beautiful waters of Egypt you can help local economies as well as raise

awareness for the preservation of these rarities. Sustainable tourism should be a priority for all

travelers, so they may experience everything a destination has to offer while also respecting it’s

lands and people (El-Kholei, 1998).

Currency/Visa Requirements

The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptain Pound, which is equivalent to 0.062 U.S.

dollars. This makes a trip to Egypt relatively affordable for an American. U.S. citizens must have

a valid passport and visa to enter the country and may be subject to fees if either of these expire
before their departure. Visitors are also prohibited from entering Egypt with more than $10,000

dollars, and are not allowed to leave with more than $10,000. There have been instances of

Egyptian immigration officials refusing entry to visitors without any reason or explanation,

which is something to keep in mind when traveling (Travel.State.gov, 2019).

Travel Itinerary

Day 1:

1:00 pm Dropped off at Roanoke Municipal Airport (ROA)

2:30 pm Fly out of Roanoke Municipal Airport (ROA) ($1,851 round trip)

3:37 pm Arrive at Dulles International Airport (IAD)

4:05 pm Eat at Be Right Burger at (IAD) ($15)

5:20 pm Fly out of Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Day 2:

7:10 am Arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

7:30 am Eat breakfast at Deli Bros Fine Foods (FRA) ($20)

8:15 am Nap and wait for flight at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

1:00 pm Fly out of Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

6:10 pm Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI)

6:30 pm Uber from (CAI) to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($5)

7:20 pm Check in to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($141)

8:00 pm Walk to Bab El-Sharq restaurant (free)

8:05 pm Eat at Bab El-Sharq restaurant ($10)

9:30 pm Walk back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (free)

9:40 pm Sleep at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

Day 3:

9:00 am Wake up

10:00 am Walk to LE Grillon Restaurant & Garden Cafe (free)

10:05 am Eat breakfast at LE Grillon Restaurant & Garden Cafe ($10)

11:00 am Walk to The Egyptian Museum (free)

11:10 am Enter The Egyptian Museum ($9)

11:15 am Explore the Egyptian Museum

1:30 pm Eat at cafeteria inside museum ($8)

2:00 pm Explore Royal Mummy exhibit ($5)

5:00 pm Walk to Cairo Tower (free)

5:25 pm Watch sunset from Cairo Tower ($10)

6:30 pm Walk to Felfela restaurant (free)

7:00 pm Eat dinner at Felfela ($7)

8:30 pm Uber to Cairo Jazz Club ($1)

8:45 pm Arrive at Cairo Jazz Club

9:00 pm Enjoy music at Cairo Jazz Club ($15)

11:00 pm Uber back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($1)

11:30 pm Go to sleep ($141)

Day 4:

9:00 am Wake up
9:30 am Walk to LE Grillon Restaurant & Garden Cafe (free)

9:35 am Eat breakfast at LE Grillon Restaurant & Garden Cafe ($10)

10:00 am Uber to Giza Pyramid Complex ($2)

10:30 am Explore Sphinx and Pyramids ($9)

1:00 pm Walk to Restaurant Pyramids (free)

1:15 pm Eat lunch at Restaurant Pyramids ($8)

2:00 pm Uber to Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqarah ($4)

2:45 pm Explore Pyramid of Djoser ($4)

4:30 pm Uber back to Giza ($4)

5:15 pm Arrive in Giza

5:30 pm Start sunset camel tour ride through Giza ($40)

8:30 pm Finish Camel ride

8:45 pm Uber to Hardee’s in Cairo for a quick dinner ($2)

9:10 pm Walk back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (free)

9:30 pm Go to sleep ($141)

Day 5:

9:00 am Wake up

9:30 am Uber to Alexandria ($35)

12:00 pm Arrive in Alexandria

12:15 pm Picked up by Ramasside Tours for Archaeological day Tour ($115)

12:30 pm Arrive at Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa

12:35 pm Explore Catacombs with tour group

1:15 pm Taken to Roman Amphitheater of Alexandria

1:30 pm Explore Amphitheater

2:00 pm Taken to Mohamed Ahmed’s restaurant

2:10 pm Eat lunch at Mohamed’s ($12)

3:00 pm Taken to The Library of Alexandria

3:10 pm Explore Library of Alexandria

4:00 pm Taken to St. Mark, oldest church in Africa

4:15 pm Explore St. Mark

5:00 pm Taken to Lighthouse of Alexandria

5:10 pm Explore Lighthouse of Alexandria

5:45 pm Taken to White and Blue Restaurant

6:00 pm Eat dinner at White and Blue ($13)

7:00 pm Uber back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($35)

9:30 pm Arrive at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

9:45 pm Go to sleep ($141)

Day 6:

6:00 am Wake up

6:30 am Eat hotel breakfast

7:00 am Picked up from hotel and taken to El Ein Sohkna for day trip ($65)

9:00 am Arrive at the Red sea

9:15 am Relax and explore the beach

12:00 pm Eat tour provided lunch

12:45 pm Swim and snorkel in the Red Sea shore

3:15 pm Return to beach and prepare to return to Cairo

4:00 pm Taken back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

6:00 pm Arrive at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

6:15 pm Walk to Oldish restaurant

6:30 pm Eat dinner at Oldish ($18)

7:30 pm Uber to Shahrazad traditional casino ($1)

7:45 pm See traditional belly dancing and learn about Egyptian night culture ($20)

11:30 pm Uber back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($2)

11:45 pm Arrive at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

12:00 am Go to sleep ($141)

Day 7:

9:00 am Wake up

9:30 am Eat hotel breakfast

10:00 am Uber to Port Said Military Museum ($3)

10:30 am Arrive at Museum

10:45 am Explore Museum ($2)

1:00 pm Walk to Buffalo Burger (free)

1:10 pm Eat lunch at Buffalo Burger ($11)

2:15 pm Walk to Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and explore urban Cairo (free)

3:20 pm Enter and explore Museum of Modern Egyptian Art (free)

5:30 pm Walk to Egyptian Nights restaurant (free)

6:00 pm Eat dinner at Egyptian Nights ($18)

7:30 pm Walk back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo and view the city at night

8:15 pm Arrive at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

8:30 pm Go to sleep ($141)

Day 8:

9:00 am Wake up and pack

10:40 am Uber to Heliopolis for street food day tour ($2)

11:15 am Arrive in Heliopolis

11:30 am Begin Street food tour in Heliopolis ($65)

3:30 pm End tour

3:40 pm Uber back to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ($2)

4:10 pm Return to Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

4:30 pm Get a massage at the hotel spa and relax by the pool ($30)

6:30 pm Return to room and order room service dinner ($20)

7:00 pm Eat dinner

7:30 pm Go to sleep ($141)

Day 9:

12:00 am Uber to Cairo International Airport (CAI) ($5)

12:45 am Nap at airport until flight

3:35 am Fly out of Cairo International Airport (CAI)

6:15 am Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE)

6:35 am Breakfast at Airport Mcdonald’s ($4)

7:00 am Wait for flight at (VIE)

9:20 am Fly out of Vienna International Airport (VIE)

10:25 am Arrive at Munich International Airport (MUC)

10:30 am Wait for flight at (MUC)

12:10 pm Fly out of Munich International Airport (MUC) (9h 30m flight, 6h time change)

3:40 pm Arrive at Dulles International Airport (IAD)

4:00 pm Eat at Be Right Burger at (IAD) ($15)

5:30 pm Fly out of Dulles International Airport (IAD)

6:46 pm Arrive at Roanoke Municipal Airport (ROA)

7:00 pm Picked up from (ROA)

7:50 pm Arrive home

Total Cost of Vacation

Food and Drink: $208.50 (3,365.13 Egyptian Pounds)

Activities: $381.50 (6,157.30 Egyptian Pounds)

Transport: $1,955 (31,553.11 Egyptian Pounds)

Hotel:$987 (15,929.88 Egyptian Pounds)

Total Cost: $3,399.14 (54,861.1 Egyptian Pounds)

 References

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