Egypt’s Giza Pyramids Set for Major Revamp in Bid to Boost Tourism
The Egyptian government has announced plans to revamp the Pyramids of Giza, one of the world’s most famous ancient sites, in a bid to boost tourism and improve the overall visitor experience. The Express has learned that the project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is set to cost $51 million (£38 million).
For years, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been plagued by poor management, unregulated and aggressive vendors, and reports of animal cruelty, leaving many tourists with a negative experience of the Giza Plateau. The site has been overcrowded, with visitors often subjected to harassment by vendors and poor conditions for both humans and animals. According to the Express, the new project aims to address these issues and restore the site to its former glory.
As reported by the Express, the revamp will include the restoration of several tombs, as well as the introduction of a new online ticketing system and an updated visitor centre. In addition, 45 electric buses have been made available on the site and are scheduled to run every five minutes, providing visitors with a more comfortable and convenient way to explore the pyramids. Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company has stated that the buses will help reduce congestion and improve air quality at the site.
Businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, has taken a firm stance on the issue of vendors, stating that those who refuse to move to the new zone area will be banned. In a post on X, he wrote: “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 Express understands that Sawiris’s comments reflect the government’s commitment to improving the site and ensuring that visitors have a positive experience.
Animal welfare has also been a major concern at the Pyramids of Giza, with reports of routine abuse and neglect of horses and camels used for tourist rides. A recent investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) found instances of animals being punched, kicked, whipped, and starved, with some being left to rot at the side of the road. Jason Baker, PETA Asia Vice President, has stated: “PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids. 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 Express has confirmed that the Egyptian government has taken steps to address these concerns, with the introduction of new measures aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing congestion at the site. The revamp of the Pyramids of Giza is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in Egypt, with visitors from around the world flocking to see the ancient wonders. According to the Express, the project is a major step forward in the country’s bid to boost tourism and improve its reputation as a tourist destination. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Egypt is confident that it can attract more visitors and provide them with a world-class experience.
The Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt’s most prized tourist attractions, with millions of visitors each year. The Express has learned that the site is a major source of revenue for the country, and that the revamp is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. With its commitment to improving the visitor experience and addressing concerns around animal welfare, Egypt is poised to become a leading tourist destination in the region.
Source: The Express
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