International Tourism Consultancy Report: Egypt Tourism Development

This report, prepared as a training pack for a Junior Consultant at an International Tourism Consultancy in the UK, analyzes sustainable tourism planning and development in Egypt. It examines the benefits of tourism development and planning for stakeholders, including investors, tourists, and the government. The report explores public-private sector tourism planning partnerships, outlining their advantages and disadvantages. It then delves into features of tourism planning at different levels, the importance of interactive planning systems, and methods for measuring tourism's impact. The concept of sustainability in tourism development is introduced, along with factors hindering sustainable practices. The report discusses conflict resolution, balancing supply and demand, and ethical issues related to enclave tourism. It concludes by comparing tourism issues in Egypt and Thailand and offering suggestions for future tourism development, emphasizing economic, environmental, and social-cultural influences.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................4
TASK – 1.................................................................................................................................................4
1.1Planning of tourism developments and its benefits to stakeholders............................................4
1.2Public-private sector tourism planning partnerships – advantages & disadvantages ..................5
TASK – 2.................................................................................................................................................5
2.1Features of tourism planning at different levels ..........................................................................5
2.2Importance of interactive planning system as well as processes in tourism development in
Egypt .................................................................................................................................................6
2.3Different methods to measure the impact of tourism .................................................................6
TASK – 3.................................................................................................................................................7
3.1Introduction of the concept of sustainability in tourism development ........................................7
3.2Factors preventing sustainable tourism development .................................................................7
3.3Different stages in planning in regards with sustainability ..........................................................8
TASK – 4.................................................................................................................................................9
4.1Ways of resolving a conflict of interest for the well-being of development of Egypt ..................9
4.2Evaluating the implications of balancing the supply & demand ..................................................9
4.3Analysing moral as well as ethical issues related to enclave tourism in Egypt ...........................10
TASK – 5...............................................................................................................................................10
5.1Comparing issues related to tourism development in Egypt and Thailand ................................10
5.2Suggestions for future development in tourism ........................................................................10
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Tourism industry all around the world is facing numerous fundamental challenges for
achieving the objectives pertaining to sustainable development of business as well as human
welfare. Some of these objectives focuses on providing better quality life, protection of
natural and cultural heritage and economic opportunity of the nation. These are the main aim
of the sustainable tourism (Pásková, 2008). The current research report also deals with
analysing different approaches related to sustainable tourism planning and development. As a
Junior Consultant at International Tourism Consultancy in UK, a training pack need to be
designed on the rationale for planning in the travel and tourism industry with reference to
Egypt. The study will also throw light on varied factors that hinder sustainable development
of tourism and will discuss current issues concerning the travel and tourism sector related to
Egypt. The last section of the report will evaluate economic, environmental as well as social-
culture influence on tourism in developing nations and emerging destinations.
TASK – 1
1.1 Planning of tourism developments and its benefits to stakeholders
In general sense, tourism is being referred as the process of travelling from one place
to another place for feeling pleasure. However, in terms of economics, it is a business that
pays attention on attracting visitors from varied place to come and visit the host nation as it
helps in increasing the income of the country. Talking in relation with Egypt, the nation is
filled with numerous destinations including historical ruins from the iconic pyramids to the
valleys of the Kings and Queens in Luxor. It is also complemented by the Red Sea resorts of
Sharm al Sheikh as well as the rustic charms of the different destinations in the river Nile.
Tourism is one of the leading source of income in Egypt (Nunkoo and Ramkissoon, 2013).
And thus, sustainable planning development of tourism in the nation will be implemented by
involving varied stakeholders. Some of the major stakeholders of the country includes
investors, tourists, operators, public and private sectors, employees, host community and
government. Tourism planning plays a key role in maximizing the social, environmental as
well as economical return of all these stakeholders. It is advantageous to the society because
it helps in enhancing the quality of life of the local people and also protects the natural and
cultural resources of their developing nation. In regards with employees, it helps in
encouraging development of job opportunities and focuses on providing appropriate salaries,
wages and bonuses to employees. Furthermore, the return of the shareholder as well as
investor will also increase with the increase in the profitability of different tourism

organizations. This will also augment the rate of tax and interest payment for the government
of Egypt (Sautter and Leisen, 2009). A good coordination between the public and the private
partnership has been seen in Egypt over the period of time which leads to have better
infrastructure development and landscape and other opportunities to the government.
1.2 Public-private sector tourism planning partnerships – advantages & disadvantages
Public and private tourism planning partnership is defined as an association between
the private as well as public sector in order to attain the long term objectives concerning
sustainability. This collaboration is used in order develop a specified area or a location.
Consequently, in relation with Egypt, private and public tourism planning partnership has a
vital role to play in its sustainable tourism development. These partnership helps in achieving
the socially desirable objectives like increased employment opportunities, reduction in crime
and violence, increase in the income of labour and high protection towards the natural and
environmental resources. Some of the benefits and drawbacks are being defined underneath:
Benefits Drawbacks
Public and private partnership in Egypt
supports in attaining socially desirable
objectives such as generation of employment,
high labour income, decreased crime,
protection of environment etc.
This partnership leads to increase in the
sensitivity of the shareholders which in turn
increase the political risks (Graci, 2013).
Further, this collaboration also leads to have
proper utilization of the available resources in
Egypt such as its culture, history, heritage,
infrastructure and natural resources.
Sometimes because of such collaboration,
issues pertaining to maintenance of
coordination between the two enterprises
might take place.
Finally, sustainable projects in Egypt can be
accomplished timely and in a cost effective
manner (Edgell, 2016).
Involvement of public and private partnership
in Egypt might develop a situation of lack of
resources for sustainable tourism in the
nation.
TASK – 2
2.1 Features of tourism planning at different levels
In regards of Egypt, tourism occupies the promise of augmenting the income
opportunities through increased level of employment particularly for the local people living at
the rural and coastal areas of the nation. Further, the main challenge in front of the tourist
industry of Egypt is to maintain sustainable tourism in the nation. Thus, this can be done only
through effective planning and mapping of the processes as well as approaches that will be

required for developing and increasing the social, environmental & political benefits of the
nation. Some of the features of tourism development planning at different levels are as
follows: International level – Tourism planning at this level focuses on transporting services of
the country. Major attention is laid on number of visitors as well as tour programs of
other countries (Morgan, 2007). Moreover, the key attraction of this planning is
contemporary development. Organizations like OCED aims to promote policies that
helps in improving the social and economic well-being of the local people. National level – At this level, focus is being given on physical structure and policies
related to tourism of the nation. National firms are public and private firms such as
government, national volunteer. These firms advertise the nation and its attractive
destinations. Regional level – At this level, main emphasis is being given on internal transport,
accommodation, location, types of destinations etc. The more emphasis is given on
infrastructure at the regional levels such as building, preserving and protecting the
heritage and natural environment.
 Sub-regional level – At this level, tourism planning is being done considering the sub-
regions situations of Egypt, accommodation, location and different features for
visitors. Policies and strategies are also formed when it is needed (Lepp and Gibson,
2003).
2.2 Importance of interactive planning system as well as processes in tourism development in
Egypt
Significance of interactive planning
Interactive planning is referred as a participative planning which is founded on the
concept that activity of the planning is more significant than plans it produces. Such type of
planning plays a crucial role in success of tourism development of nation’s like Egypt. It
provides many advantages to the tourism development of this nation such as benefits to the
stakeholders through increased level of communication, employment opportunities and
chances to understand the aims, concepts and objectives of tourism, predicting the future of
sustainable development etc. Other than this, interactive planning also includes a resource
plan involving varied data about the required, present and shortages of resources for
sustainable tourism. Therefore, it can be attributed that significantly help in optimum use of

the available natural as well as environment resources of Egypt (Nickerson and Kerr, 2004).
Finally, such planning also focuses on process and tourists safety. It includes numerous inter-
connected phases that provides help in increasing the sustainable tourism in the nation.
2.3 Different methods to measure the impact of tourism
Methods of measuring the influence of tourism Cambridge Economic Impact Model – It is the enhanced version of the economic
impact model that helps in measuring the influence on economic values in Egypt
through tourists. Furthermore, this model makes use of local data of Egypt for
calculating the value. Additionally, it helps in interpreting the size of visit in
economic terms which leads to make prediction in regards with the amount being
spent by tourists per trip (Buckley, 2012). Environmental impact studies – It involves different studies being undertaken by the
researchers in relation with the influence of tourism on natural environment of Egypt.
Seeking help from these, estimation about the impact of tourists on the environment
of the nation can be estimated.
 Surveys – This method supports in accumulating data through recording feedbacks
and answers to some of the already set questions by some agencies on a particular
area or region.
TASK – 3
3.1 Introduction of the concept of sustainability in tourism development
Sustainable tourism development is a process that focuses on social, environmental
and economic development of a particular nation, region and industry. Similarly, the main
aim of sustainable tourism in Egypt is to optimally utilize the present natural resources,
respecting social-culture and long term economic operation. The main concept of
sustainability in tourism development with reference to Egypt is justified by triple bottom
line theory. This theories determines the three bottom lines of Egypt concerning sustainable
tourism development such as environment, economic and social (Chhabra, 2010). As per this
theory, the concept of sustainability will help in improving the social performance of the
nation. Further, performance level is being measured through health & safety, equality, level
of education, social capital of different societies existing in Egypt and quality of life of the
citizens.

Talking about the second bottom line of the theory, it involves different magnitudes of
the environment of Egypt. It focuses on optimally using the scarce resources, consumption,
natural resources, improving energy, air and water. It also provides an aid by reducing the
level of pollution, curtailing the use of electricity and finally, depletion of natural resources
by tourism companies. The third bottom line of the theory emphasize on economic
development of the nation such as employment, taxes, climatic factors, interest and business
(Buckley, 2012).
3.2 Factors preventing sustainable tourism development
If all the stakeholders come together and work collectively in a positive manner than
sustainable tourism can be implemented successfully. There are numerous factors that might
prevent or hinder sustainable tourism development in Egypt such as availability of the
resources, change in climate, social justice, globalization, pollution, policies related to
tourism, wastage and human rights. For example, if the education level in the societies of
Egypt is low than there will no social development through tourism. Furthermore, because of
the inauspicious alterations in the conditions of climate, wastage of scarce resources and
increasing pollution, sustainable tourism development will be highly affected. Similarly
tourism policies, human rights and social justice will also negatively influence the tourists
coming to the nation and this in turn will decrease the number of tourists visiting Egypt
(Gartner, 2001). Moreover, if the hotels around the famous destinations in Egypt and the
main site arena is not in a position to make use of environmental prevention techniques such
as saving water, utilizing soar lights, recycling water and prohibiting the use of certain
harmful materials than the development will be a complete failure and there are chances that
it might not sustain for a longer period of time. Therefore, from the above discussion it can be
attributed that the defined factors impacts the sustainable tourism Egypt effectively.
3.3 Different stages in planning in regards with sustainability
Focusing towards the sustainability tourism planning, it is being referred as the
process that encompasses different stages which helps in increasing the performance of the
nation, region or any business corporation in terms of economic, social and environmental
aspects. Range of stages in planning are being defined underneath: Recognizing the study – At this stage, stakeholders of the planning process is decided
like local people, tourism agencies and firms etc. Setting objectives – Both long term as well as short term objectives are being set at
this level such as improving the quality of tourism, cultural & natural heritage

preservation and many more. Attraction features are also decided at this level like
building of heritage, museum and its culture (Aronsson, 2000). Survey – At this point, survey is carried out for accumulating data about the chosen
places. Particular speciality of that place or location is also determined so as to use it
in marketing and promotional purposes. Resource analysis – The major strengths of the place or location is assessed that
includes airport, roads etc. other than this, development planning, market and impact
evaluation is also carried out. Preparation of plans & policies – It includes drafting of policies and plans from the
data being accumulated. Recommendation – At this stage, recommendation is suggested by the authorities. Implementation – This is the level where the developed plans and policies are
executed by taking into account all laws and legislations (Soontayatron, 2013).
 Monitoring – It includes checking and controlling of activities so as to ascertain
corrective action if any problem ascends.
TASK – 4
4.1 Ways of resolving a conflict of interest for the well-being of development of Egypt
Conflict of interest are defined as the issues that might takes place because of
different interest of the two parties involved together. It takes place because of the
involvement of too many stakeholders in the development of tourism destination such as
Egypt. There are many stakeholders being involved in the tourism industry of the nation and
thus, they have varied interests as well. All these conflicts of interest affects the future well-
being of the development of Egypt. Some of the conflicts might elevate between tourists, tour
operators, local community, developers and planners. For instance, the religion of the local
society in Egypt will be different from those visiting the nation and it is more obvious that
variation between the norms and beliefs will make the situation tense (Irmgard, 2009). Other
than this, there are many other factors as well that might arose conflicts such as tension amid
the planner, tourists government, tour operator, local community, developer and guest host
relationship.
But, this issue can be resolved by making use of formal process in which the third
party can interfere for facilitating effective communication between the tourists as well as
local people. Further, sometimes tour operators have fixed policy and they become adamant
about it. Even they have to pay higher taxes on doing business in that nation which creates

conflicts with the government and they restrain from organizing tour in that nation. This issue
can be resolved by developing a uniform tax system by the government which will be
followed by each and every one. Because of this, there will be regular traffic from other
nations. Furthermore, there should be step by step conflict resolution system in which the
reasons and impacts of conflicts is identified through the court of the local government of
Egypt.
4.2 Evaluating the implications of balancing the supply & demand
For the purpose of having sustainable development of tourism in Egypt, a balance
between the demand and supply is very essential. This balance can be managed effectively by
adopting several methods. In addition to this, there are various facts as well that directly
influence the demand and supply management of tourism such as imposing restrictions, force
on limited resources etc. the balance can better be achieved by appropriate appraisal of the
demand and development of planning strategies (Mohammed, 2010). All these tactics will
help in enhancing the coordination between both internal and external environment of the
tourism industry of Egypt. Additionally, Delphi techniques can also be adopted in order to
forecast the inflow of visitors in the nation. Furthermore, supply of high quality services can
managed and controlled by optimally using the present resources.
4.3 Analysing moral as well as ethical issues related to enclave tourism in Egypt
Speaking in volume in regards with the enclave tourism, it evolves when the local
entrepreneurs are very few and the level of tourism is highly concentrated towards a
segmented base of customer. In simple words, it is a customized tourism wherein visitors are
allowed to do whatever they want in that specified area. Such type of tourism have many
ethical and moral issues and some of them are as follows:
Ethical issues
Some of the ethical issues includes financial security, transportation issue, taxation,
loss of local produce etc. Because Egypt is a developing nation, many services are at the
developing stage (Prayag, 2015). In such a scenario, if all the above defined issues are not
dealt effectively, these will highly impact the sustainable development of tourism of Egypt.
In addition to this, competition will increase at a rapid pace with each passing day and thus,
the nation is in great need to focus on CSR activities towards its major stakeholders so as to
refine the tourism sector of the nation.
Moral issues

One of the important moral issues that comes into light is decreased level of upliftment
for the local population. Because of the enclave tourism, foreign organizations invest only in
a specified region and they get a small part of money for their land. Even, jobs are offered to
the local people which requires low skilled people.
TASK – 5
5.1 Comparing issues related to tourism development in Egypt and Thailand
Issues Egypt Thailand
Social
Crime, violence, murder and other
immoral practices are less prevalent
in the nation. Islamic law is ensured
in Egypt and thus, most of the
people focuses on moral behaviour.
In Thailand, murder, crime,
violence, gambling, lack of moral
behaviour are the most common
social issues. Crime and violence is
four times more than Egypt
(Mohamed, 2015).
Environment
Damage to the historic monuments,
water scarcity, animal welfare, air
pollution, improper waste
management system are some of
the environmental issues being
faced by Egypt
Because of the dramatic economic
growth of Thailand, the nation is
facing problem related to soil
erosion, deforestation, air declining
the wildlife population, water
issues and scarcity.
Economic
The nation faces issues such as low
employment opportunities and
economic leakage (Denselow,
2019).
The main issue being faced by
Thailand is fluctuation in the
economy.
5.2 Suggestions for future development in tourism
There are many current issues in the tourism industry but it is likely going to be better
with the increased in the spending power of people all around the world. Because of the
expansion of the social media these days, both these two countries i.e. Egypt and Thailand are
getting attention which in turn has resulted into immense popularity of these destinations. In
addition to this, it is vital that both these nations should emphasize on developing as well as
determining new places for adventure tourism (Ruhanen, 2013). They must also make use of
extensive marketing campaign in order to showcase these places. In tourism, adventure and
nature tourism are the recent trends and alignment of tourism policies in this course will
probably support them in having more inflow of tourists. Further, the issues related to the
tourism of Egypt can be decreased by maximizing the use of available natural resources.
Additionally, it is vital for both the governments to develop such attractive policies for
visitors such as decreasing the exchange rates, tax payment system and many more. This will
simply help in mitigating the economic issues concerning the destination. Finally, in order to

have strong and cordial relations with the stakeholders, it is crucial to involve them in the
sustainable tourism planning process, as it will support in curbing down the negative affect of
all related social issues (Ekanayake and Long, 2012).
CONCLUSION
Consequently, from the above discussion it can be concluded that the tourism
department in Egypt is engaged towards social, economic and environmental development of
the destination. The report has also significantly discussed the benefits of all stakeholders
from the sustainable planning of tourism development. Further, it was originated from the
study that though there are range of issues and problems related to maintaining sustainability
of the nation but it can be successfully resolved by maximizing use of the available resources,
executing appropriate policies and involving all valuable stakeholders.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Aronsson L., 2000. The Development of Sustainable Tourism. London: Continuum.
Buckley, R., 2012. Sustainable tourism: Research and reality. Annals of Tourism Research,
39(2), pp.528-546.
Chhabra, D., 2010. Sustainable marketing of cultural and heritage tourism. Routledge.
Development in Beach Resort, American Journal of Tourism Management 2013, Vol.
Development in Egypt, Tourism Analysis, Vol. 12.
Edgell, D.L., 2016. Managing sustainable tourism: a legacy for the future. Routledge.
Ekanayake, E.M. and Long, A.E., 2012. Tourism development and economic growth in
developing countries. The International Journal of Business and Finance Research,
6(1), pp.61-63.
Gartner, W., 2001. Issues of sustainable development in a developing country context.
Tourism in the Age of Globalization. London: Routledge.
Graci, S., 2013. Collaboration and partnership development for sustainable tourism. Tourism
Geographies, 15(1), pp.25-42.
Irmgard, B. (1999). The Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries on the Health of the
Irmgard, B., 2009. The Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries on the Health of the
Local Host Communities: The need for more research. The Journal of Tourism
Studies, 10(1).
Lepp, A. and Gibson, H., 2003. Tourist roles, perceived risk and international tourism.
Annals of Tourism Research, 30(3), pp.606-624.
Local Host Communities: The need for more research, The Journal Of Tourism Studies,
Mohamed A.S. (2015), Types of Tourism in Thailand, e-Review of Tourism Research
Mohamed, A.S., 2015. Types of Tourism in Thailand. E-Review of Tourism Research, 12(3).
Mohammed, I. E. (2010). Local Communities’ Attitudes towards Impacts of Tourism
Mohammed, I.E., 2010. Local Communities’ Attitudes towards Impacts of Tourism
Development in Egypt. Tourism Analysis, 12.
Morgan, N., 2007. The Critical Turn in Tourism Studies: Innovative Research
Methodologies. Elsevier.
Nickerson, N.P. and Kerr, P., 2004. Snapshots: An introduction to tourism. Toronto: Pearson.
Nunkoo, R. and Ramkissoon, H., 2013. Stakeholders’ views of enclave tourism: A grounded
theory approach. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research.
Pásková, M., 2008. Sustainability of Tourism Development. Prague.
Prayag, G., 2015. Beyond Enclave Tourism: The Road to Sustainability. Planning for
Tourism: Towards a Sustainable Future, p.240.
Ruhanen, L., 2013. Local government: facilitator or inhibitor of sustainable tourism
development? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(1), pp.80-98.
Sautter, E.T. and Leisen, B., 2009. Managing stakeholders: a tourism planning model. Annals
of Tourism Research, pp.312-328.
Soontayatron, S. (2013), Thai Interpretation of Socio-cultural Impacts of Tourism
Soontayatron, S., 2013. Thai Interpretation of Socio-cultural Impacts of Tourism
Development in Beach Resort. American Journal of Tourism Management 2013,
2(2).
Vol. 10, No. 1
Mohamed A.S. (2015), Types of Tourism in Thailand, e-Review of Tourism Research
(eRTR), Vol.12, No. 3/
Online references