Potential
for Environmental Tourism in Egypt
Results
of a Tour Operator Survey
Introduction
*Purpose
-Explore
the level of international demand for environmental tourism in Egypt
*Study
-Interviewed
82 tour operators attending Mediterranean Travel Fair, Cairo, March 2000
-Interviewees
responded to a series of questions on the profile of their clients, interest
in environmental conditions of destinations and properties around the world
and in Egypt.
Ecolodges
-Almost
two-thirds of the tour operators surveyed know about ecolodges (61%).
-Half
of the tour operators surveyed currently send clients to ecolodges elsewhere
in the world (55%).
-Just
over half of the tour operators surveyed feel that ecolodges in Egypt would
appeal to their clients (55%).
Ecolodges:
Tour Operators Report on the Volume of Their Business Based on Their Clients’
Region of Origin
Clients’ Request for
Destinations that Emphasize the Natural Environment
-Two
thirds of tour operators said approximately half of their clients who come
to Egypt request destinations that emphasize the natural environment.
Importance
of Tourist Destinations: Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas
Along Red Sea Coast
-75%
of tour operators said a marine protected area along the Red Sea Coast
would appeal to their clients.
-Tour
operators felt that having a marine protected area along the Red Sea Coast
would enhance their ability to sell the region as a destination.
Importance
of Marine-based Tourist Activities Tour operators report on the importance
of activities for their clients
Quality of Marine-based
Tourist Activities in Egypt
Importance
of Desert-Based Destinations & Tourist Activities Tour Operators Report
on the Importance of Desert-based Destinations and Activities for Their
Clients
Quality of Desert-based
Tourist Activities in Egypt
-In
comparison with desert trekking elsewhere in the world:
71%
of the tour operators surveyed say that desert trekking is superior in
Egypt
International
Environmental Certification Programs Enhance the Attractiveness of Egypt
As a Destination % of Operators who recognize & support the adoption
of the following:
Tour Operators’ Sources of
Information
Conclusion
-Strong
interest in ecolodges in Egypt
-Strong
interest in marine-based and desert-based destinations and activities in
Egypt, particularly from clients in Europe and the USA
-Strong
interest in the natural environment of destinations
-Strong
recognition and interest in international environmental certification programs.
These programs have the potential of enhancing the attractiveness of Egyptian
destinations.
Recommendations
-Promote
ecolodges as an alternative form of accommodation for tourists, particularly
those from Europe and the USA
-Develop
marine- and desert-based tourist activities and destinations to appeal
to a larger client pool, particularly those from Europe and the USA
-Pursue
international environmental certification programs to sustain the environmental
integrity of destinations in Egypt and to become a leader in this important
global trend
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