Egypt Has a Problem With Its Pyramids. Many Tourists Say They’re Traumatized After Their Visits

In the vast and increasingly contested landscape of international tourism, few places are more iconic than the Giza necropolis in Egypt. This is hardly surprising, as the Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and an archaeological treasure that attracts millions of visitors each year. However, like many major destinations in Asia, America, and Europe, tourism in Egypt can lead to massive challenges.

The Egyptian government is eager to avoid them.

A huge business. Egyptian authorities recently reported impressive tourism figures for 2024, boasting their ability to draw visitors worldwide. According to their data, the country welcomed a record 17.5 million tourists last year, nearly one million more than in 2023. This growth occurred “despite the geopolitical situation in the region.” The country’s ambitious goal is to increase the number of visitors to 30 million by the end of the decade.

While Egypt’s tourism numbers still lag behind those of destinations such as Spain or Japan, they play a crucial role in its economy. In the first half of 2024 alone, the tourism industry generated revenues of $6.6 billion, with some sources suggesting the overall impact may be even greater. According to the Egyptian government, tourism contributes nearly 10% to the national GDP, a figure that was even higher in previous years. Additionally, the sector serves as a vital source of foreign currency income.

The great attraction: Giza. Egypt is home to many important attractions, such as Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and the Luxor Temple. However, the most iconic and photographed site is the Giza necropolis, which features its famous pyramids just a few miles from Cairo. Millions of tourists visit these pyramids each year, leading to an influx of buses, cars, tourists, and professional guides. This surge results in congestion, long lines, and the presence of street vendors.

To address these challenges, the Egyptian government has developed a plan to improve organization in the area and alleviate the chaos, according to Newsweek. Among the proposed measures is constructing a new access road from Cairo to Fayum. Authorities have also suggested rearranging the surrounding environment, managing draft animals, and restoring several tombs. Other ideas include opening a visitor center, promoting online ticket sales, and introducing green transport options at the site.

“Deeply rooted issues.” Egyptian company Orascom Pyramids is a key player investing millions to transform the area into a major tourist landmark. “This is the world’s greatest landmark, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Orascom is creating a new experience and preserving its legacy. The process is complex and challenging due to the need to change deeply rooted issues in the area,” Chairman Amr Gazarin explains.

Authorities have already initiated a pilot phase on a trial basis. The renovated area around the pyramids is set to open in early July, coinciding with the launch of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The country also aims to leave behind the image of horses and camels in poor condition at the necropolis. The ultimate goal is to better manage visitor flow, reduce congestion, and promote a sustainable tourism destination.

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New times, new approach. Egypt has decided to modernize the Giza Plateau to enhance the experience for its millions of visitors. This initiative responds to issues such as chaos, unregulated hawking, and congestion at access points. Authorities are also shifting toward greener transportation options, like electric buses, instead of the traditional horses and camels.

Egypt is well aware that its rich heritage and stunning landscapes aren’t enough to maintain its status as an attractive tourist destination. Overcrowding and poor management can lead to a place dying by success. In recent years, Egypt has received criticism for several aspects that detract from the tourist experience, particularly in popular locations such as Giza and Luxor.

Ruined by scammers. Many tourists have voiced their frustrations on social media. They’ve complained about ticket resale, the behavior and harassment of some vendors, pressure to accept services, and poor infrastructure. Recently, in a Reddit thread discussing places travelers wouldn’t revisit, one user specifically mentioned Cairo.

The reason? “Sure, the pyramids are beautiful, but the scammers and touts ruin the experience,” the user said. In February, Egyptian Streets highlighted that these issues have become increasingly prominent for Egyptian tourism, especially as platforms like TikTok amplify negative visitor experiences.

Looking beyond the pyramids. Egyptian Streets also emphasizes ongoing complaints regarding aggressive vendors, poorly lit sites, and reports from women who have felt harassed. The outlet also points out problems at Cairo airport: “Terminal 1, which is used by budget airlines, is outdated and chaotic… There is no clear guidance on where to go, leaving tourists scrambling, confused, and wasting time.”

To make matters worse, in some instances, only cash payments in dollars or euros are accepted, making it particularly challenging for foreign visitors.

Treatment of animals: a growing concern. The treatment of animals is becoming an increasingly important issue. In tourist areas of Egypt, traders often offer rides in carriages pulled by horses, donkeys, and camels. This practice has sparked controversy, and organizations like PETA have raised alarms about the conditions of these animals. PETA recently described them as “sick, injured, or starving” and criticized their owners for treating them as mere “disposable tools.”

Criticism has led to some positive changes. In October, the Egyptian government introduced a program to improve “animal welfare” in key tourist spots, including the Giza Plateau. Additionally, authorities have opted for an electric bus transport system to help tourists navigate the necropolis, reducing the demand for horse or camel rides.

The tourism sector’s response. PETA also celebrated a significant development in February when Airbnb announced it would no longer promote “exploitative animal rides” around the Great Pyramids of Giza. Social media’s influence has played a vital role in bringing attention to animal treatment issues in the area.

Recently, a viral video showed a Dutch woman reprimanding a man allegedly whipping a donkey near the necropolis, close to the Sphinx. As the video spread across social media, users called on authorities to take action against animal abuse.

Images | Alessandro Zanini | Mustang Joe

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