The Effect of Egyptian Revolution on Tourism

“In 2010, the last year before Egypt’s revolution, a record 14 million tourists arrived. The industry was 13% of GDP and directly or indirectly employed one in seven workers. Arrivals plummeted to 9.5m in 2011, and have yet to recover (see chart). Tourism Economics, a consultancy, predicts that 11.4m tourists will come in 2013. The Egyptian Tourism Federation estimates that hotel occupancy rates are barely 15% in Cairo and below 5% in Luxor, the site of the Valley of the Kings.” (The Economist, 2013)

After the revolution Egypt was turned upside down. The country lost all control in the streets. The police were not able to protect themselves or any other citizen. A few months after the revolution, the Muslim brotherhood in Islamic groups took control of the country. Absence of the security was awful. Most countries warned their own citizens against travelling to Egypt.

90% of the workers who were in the tourism career, lost their jobs. Many investors also pulled their money out because of this.

The Muslim brotherhood declared new rules to ban alcohol in the country. That was a very clear message that Egypt is not a civilian country anymore.

After the recent revolution on June 30, 2013, the tourism sector has gained strength, but still struggling and may struggle for a few more years.