Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza Revamp Project Aims to Curb Congestion and Aggressive Vendors
The Pyramids of Giza, one of the world’s most famous ancient sites, is undergoing a major revamp in an effort to improve the tourist experience and curb congestion and aggressive vendors. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts millions of visitors each year, has long been plagued by poor management, unregulated and aggressive vendors, and reports of animal cruelty.
According to a report by Euronews, the Egyptian government’s newly unveiled plan aims to relaunch the site with improved management and regulations. The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is reportedly set to cost $51 million (€45 million). The revamp includes the creation of new access points, improved parking facilities, and the introduction of online ticketing and a new visitor centre.
One of the main objectives of the revamp is to relocate vendors to new designated parking areas. However, this move has faced resistance from horse and camel tour operators, who blocked vehicles from entering the site in protest against their relocation. The vendors have long been accused of harassment and alleged extortion by visitors. Euronews reports that businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, has stated that sellers who refuse to move to the new zone area would be banned.
"We are trying to improve the experience of visitors to the Pyramids of Giza," Sawiris was quoted as saying. "The well-being of the public and preservation of this treasure is far more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to the country for years."
The revamp also includes the introduction of electric vehicles to replace private vehicles and tour buses, which are now prohibited from entering the plateau. While the transition aims to improve the sustainability of the complex, some visitors have complained on social media about the availability of the vehicles, saying they’ve been forced to wait or walk in the heat. Orascom issued a statement in response, stating that 45 electric buses had been made available on the site and are scheduled to run every five minutes.
Animal welfare groups have welcomed the relocation of tour vendors as a step towards bringing an end to animal cruelty reported at the site. A recent investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) found instances of routine abuse and animals left to rot at the side of the road. "PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids," says PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker. "Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate. The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt’s beauty and history – not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza."
The campaign group is urging tourists not to engage the services of these animal tour companies. As Euronews reports, the revamp will also see several tombs restored, and the introduction of online ticketing and a new visitor centre. The site’s new management aims to improve the overall experience for visitors and to preserve the historical significance of the Pyramids of Giza.
The Pyramids of Giza revamp project is a significant step towards improving the tourist experience at one of the world’s most iconic sites. As Euronews notes, the project has got off to a rocky start, but with the support of local authorities and the tourism industry, it is hoped that the changes will bring about a more sustainable and responsible tourism experience for visitors.
As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the local community, the environment, and the tourism industry as a whole. One thing is certain, however: the Pyramids of Giza are an irreplaceable treasure that requires careful management and preservation for future generations to enjoy.
The initiative has been widely reported, with many hailing it as a positive step towards addressing some of the site’s long-standing issues. It remains to be seen how effective the new measures will be in curbing congestion and aggressive vendors, but with the support of local authorities and the tourism industry, it is hoped that the changes will bring about a more sustainable and responsible tourism experience for visitors.
