Egypt to get a better experience visiting the pyramids after a wave of criticism
In an effort to improve the tourist experience of the pyramids, the Egyptian government is working on “determining the routes for the movement of camels and cavalry in the archaeological area, while placing organized the work of street vendors,” hoping to end it. to criticism from tourists, archaeologists, and citizens, who said they were “subjected to harassment” that ruined their visit to one of Egypt’s most important tourist monuments.
Prof. promised. exploring the secrets of ancient Egyptian civilization.”
Madbouly promised that the development project currently being implemented in the pyramids “is compatible with the cultural value of the archaeological area and attracts more visitors.”
Madbouly’s visit followed a meeting held on Sunday to continue the pyramid development project, and after days of controversy and renewed criticism over the impact of riders and camels in the archaeological site on the quality of the tourist experience , to the extent that it has led some to refer to them as an “aggressive thuggish group.”
The development plan for the Pyramids area includes special routes for horses and camels (Middle East)
In this context, the Prime Minister of Egypt examined the routes that will be taken for the movement of animals, including horses and camels, as well as “carts,” as well as the organization of the work of street sales in the area, “to be in accordance with cultural specifications compatible with the historical value of the area,” according to an official statement from the Egyptian government.
These trails are part of a long-awaited project to improve the Pyramids area, especially with ongoing complaints about camel and horse harassment by tourists and Egyptians alike.
This was confirmed by Mohamed Karem, an Egyptian tourism expert, who told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The lack of commitment of workers in the bazaar area led to tourists, as well as riders and camels, uncivilized scenes and conditions inappropriate in the archaeological field, which spoiled the tourist experience for many tourists.” Emphasizing “the importance of identifying places for the presence and movement of camels and cavalry, and working to be responsible for those who intend to harass visitors, whether they are Egyptians or foreigners.”
Karem pointed out that “the crisis of camels and cavalry is old and there has been a lot of talk about it and complaining about it,” stressing that “this does not mean that without a solution we must work to stop it , especially with the opening of the Great Egyptian Museum, which will contribute to the increase of visitors to the archaeological field. “
Late last month, Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris renewed the “camel and rider” controversy when he posted on his “X” account, referring to news from his company undertaking the project to develop the project. Pyramids area: “But rid us of camels and horses and the rubbish and the bullying and the humiliation at the entrance,” adds another comment: “I expected the state to do its part after doing my part,” because this case is “damaging to our reputation, and a waste of millions of dollars.”
Sawiris had raised a similar debate last March, when he wrote on “X”: “No matter how much we work in the Al-Ahram area, the situation will only be resolved a- only by setting off or moving camels and horses to a particular place. “
Dr. Hussein Abdel Basir, director of the Alexandria Library Museum and former director of the Giza Pyramids area, considered the Prime Minister’s visit today to the pyramids area “evidence of political will and a real desire to solve the problem of has been going for. almost 40 years.” He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The problem of camels and riders calls for a radical solution that forces riders and camels to stay in their designated area south of the new entrance to the pyramids area so as not to harass on tourists. “
He said, “Without solving this problem, any efforts to develop the region will be futile,” noting that “the government has a record of about 1,500 animal operators in the region , and it is possible to legalize their presence and make them comply. to directions.”
The Prime Minister promised to restore the cultural face of the archaeological area (Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
For many years, there were still complaints about camels and cavalry in the pyramids, which led the Egyptian government to start a project to develop the area in 2009, by developing a plan that was supposed to be completed in 2012, but the political events of 2011 prevented it. to grant. The dream of developing the Pyramids area continued to bother Egyptian officials until work began again in 2017, but this time in partnership with the private sector in development.
In mid-December 2018, the High Council of Antiquities in Egypt signed a cooperation protocol with Orascom Pyramids to undertake the process of developing the area in terms of services by providing restaurants and electric buses.
In October 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities began operating the first group of environmentally friendly buses and electric cars, which will be the means of transport within the archaeological area.
According to the project, “routes have been identified for the movement of tourists within the archaeological area, using safe electric transport vehicles that take into account environmental standards,” as well as “a tourist service center, rooms – hotel rest, smart gates with electronic set up. tickets, cinema halls, and a medical center.”
In this context, Muhammad Karem, a tourism expert, referred to what he considered “the government’s interest in developing the area. He said: “There are ongoing efforts to improve the tourist experience in the area, and it is expected that tourists will see a lot when the large museum opens.
Orascom Pyramids said in a recent statement that it is preparing “in the near future to open the Giza Pyramids development project.” The company invested $100 million in investments to improve services in the region, of which $40 million was allocated to upgrade the sound and lighting system.
