Notes

The importance of tourism in Egypt
When you travel you get to learn about cultures and civilizations remotely different from your own. You become an adventurer, a discoverer, and an explorer on a mission to unravel the world’s mysteries. Your passion and desire to live life to the most become greater than ever. Your soul is enriched and you know that travel and only travel will satisfy your curiosity and thirst for life.  With such endless benefits of travel, let’s have a glance why traveling to Egypt, in particular, is an experience like no other and learn more about the importance of tourism in Egypt.
Tourism in Egypt since the beginning of time
Tourism in Egypt dates back to centuries before Christ. Herodotus, the Greek ancient historian, who is considered by many to be the first historian, visited Egypt during the Persian occupation (the 27th dynasty). Melampus, Asclepius as well as Hippocrates are all Greek doctors who visited Egypt to learn medicine.
Blessed by a multitude of tourist attractions, in Egypt, you can find almost all types of tourism.

1. Cultural tourism

It is the oldest type of tourism and the most popular of all. Tourists who are into cultural tourism are fascinated by the history of such countries. They travel to see ancient monuments for real and to learn about the people who are now the grandchildren of the ancients they admire.
If you’re planning on visiting Egypt soon, you’ll find the following information helpful.
First of all, the Pyramids are located in Giza governorate (a few minutes’ drive from Cairo). They were built between 2480 and 2550 BC with the purpose of being royal tombs; each bearing the name of its own king.
• Pyramid of Khufu or the Great Pyramid
The tomb was built for the ruler of the fourth family King Khufu. It took 20 years to build the tomb by the most skilled workers in Egypt. With a height of 148 meters, it has bewildered the world by its mysteries.
• Pyramid of Khafra
Khafra is the son of King Khufu. His pyramid was built less in height than that of his father’s at a height of 143 meters.
• Pyramid of Menkera
Menkara is the son of King Khafra and his pyramid was built at a height of 65 meters.
• The River Nile
Herodotus called Egypt “the Gift of the Nile” as the country relies on it for its survival. A Nile cruise is a must if you want to relax and recharge your batteries.
• Luxor
Luxor Temple is located in the eastern bank of the River Nile and was built in 1400 BC during the reign of the 18th and 19th dynasty kings by Amun Ra and his wife.

2. Religious tourism

Religious tourism in Egypt is one of the oldest in the world. Being the cradle of religions, you’ll not fall short of religious monuments to visit.
Jewish monuments
• Mount Moses in Sinai which is a sacred monument to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
• Ben Ezra synagogue in old Cairo is situated behind the Hanging Church and is said to be the place where the box of baby Moses was found.
Christian monuments
• Catherine’s monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is located in South Sinai near Mount Moses. It has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
• The Hanging Church in old Cairo is the most famous Coptic Christian church. It was given that name because it was built on two old towers of the Roman Fort.
Islamic monuments
• Al Azhar mosque is the most prestigious of all mosques and the second Muslim university. Built in A.D. 972, it has become the centerpiece of Islamic identity in Egypt and the Muslim world.
• The Mosque of Amr ibn al-Aas is located in the city of Fustat and was referred to as the Mosque of Conquest in its early days. It was the first mosque to be built in Africa and served as the first Muslim university at the time.

3. Medical tourism

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Egypt provides distinct western and alternative medical services. Ever since ancient times, Egyptians have been known for their medical genius.
Many come to Egypt for the sole purpose of curing chronic illnesses mostly skin and bone disease. Siwa Oasis, for example, is one prominent destination for healing bone diseases like rheumatism due to the high concentrations of salt in the water.
Other major therapeutic areas in Egypt include the New Valley, Al-Kharja, Ain Al-Sira, Ain Sukhna, Hurghada, Fayoum, Wadi Al-Natroun, Aswan, and Safaga.

4. Sports tourism

It usually involves either watching a sports event or taking part in one. Egypt is famous for watersports as diving, water skiing, yachting and the like. Mountain climbing is popular too. Thanks to Egypt’s solid tourism infrastructure from hotels and resorts to airline offices, the country is capable of hosting multiple sports events throughout the year.
To conclude, Egyptians are well aware that Egypt has 1/3 of the world’s ancient monuments, is bountied by magnificent nature and scenery, and is capable of boosting its rank as a major tourist attraction among other countries.
If you’ve been to Egypt before, tell us what you liked most about your visit? What good places do you recommend? And what kinds of changes would you like to see take place today?