Egypt’s tourism sector is booming but similar to in some parts of Europe and Asia – it’s beginning to feel the pinch of overcrowding.
In 2024 alone, it welcomed nearly 17.5 million tourists and with the ambitious goal of reaching 30 million by 2030, the country has decided to act.
While the economy is prospering, the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding, especially at popular sites just like the Giza Plateau, with tour guides, street vendors, aggressive resellers and tourist vehicles tarnishing the experiences of many.
Some tourists have taken to social media to precise their concerns and share their experiences of the Giza Plateau – home to several pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
“Whenever you come to see the pyramids, avoid all these scammers,” South Africa travel influencer Kurt Caz said in a clip.
“Alright, we made it to the opposite side and these guys are still following me.
“I told you I’m looking, I told you I’ll come back later … see when it doesn’t go their way they begin getting a bit cheeky.”
His clip from 2023 has been liked almost 1 million times with tens of hundreds of individuals still weighing in on the problem.
“Ppl at the moment are filming more ‘avoid the scammers’ than they’re pyramids,” one person wrote.
“Every tourist destination on the planet has the identical thing,” said one other.
Others complained the pyramids are beautiful, however the scammers destroy the experience.
As such, Egypt is taking steps to wash up the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been suffering from poor management and unregulated and aggressive vendors for years.
Last week, a brand new access point to the complex on the Fayoum Highway was tested, replacing the historic entrance near Marriott Mena House, which incessantly suffers from traffic jams and congestion.
The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is reportedly set to cost $51 million, based on Euro News.
Nevertheless, it’s got off to a rocky start with the trial run copping pushback from horse and camel tour operators, who blocked vehicles from entering in a protest against their relocation to latest designated parking areas.
They are saying these are too removed from the doorway and can damage business, Euro News reported.
The vendors have long been accused of harassment and alleged extortion by visitors.
Businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founding father of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, wrote on X that sellers who refuse to maneuver to the brand new zone area can be banned.
“The wellbeing of the general public and preservation of this treasure is much more essential than catering to the interests of two,000 individuals who’ve caused harm to the country for years,” he posted.
Meanwhile, reports of animal cruelty corresponding to the alleged treatment of animals used for tourist rides from horses, to donkeys and camels has also drawn harsh criticism.
Organizations like PETA have been denouncing it for years.
“As detailed in a previous PETA Asia investigation, many camels purchased on the Birqash market find yourself at Egypt’s top historical sites, corresponding to the Great Pyramid of Giza and Saqqara’s ancient burial site, to supply tourists with rides,” PETA said in a statement in 2023.
“And there’s no retirement for these animals after a lifetime of servitude. Once they’re too worn out to proceed giving rides, they’re returned to the market to be sent to slaughter.”
PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker also claimed the organization has as documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and ravenous of horses and camels on the pyramids.
“Animals are actually ridden to death after which dumped like rubbish outside the gate. The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt’s beauty and history – not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza.”
Nevertheless, the federal government has acted, launching a particular animal welfare program within the most important tourist spots, including Giza that may see eco-friendly transport.
It’s now betting on electric buses contained in the necropolis to supply a more comfortable and sustainable alternative to animal rides – while also ensuring it doesn’t pollute or cause discomfort to locals.
While the transition goals to enhance the sustainability of the complex, based on Euro News, some visitors have complained on social media in regards to the availability of the vehicles, saying they’ve been forced to attend or walk in the warmth.
In a press release responding to the backlash, Orascom, the development company leading the project, said 45 electric buses had been made available on the positioning and are scheduled to run every five minutes.
The revamp will even see several tombs restored, the introduction of online ticketing and a brand new visitor centre.
In response to Statistica, travel and tourism added around $31 billion to Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. In comparison with 2020, this was a rise from $17.2 billion.
