Egypt wants to keep showing off its history but tourism is getting crazier and crazier. And Giza is still one of those places we all want to visit at least once in our lives, of course. It is probably one of the most incredible places on the planet. The problem is that there are many of us. In 2024 alone, Egypt received almost 17.5 million tourists, and the goal is to reach 30 million by 2030 (do we even realize how many people 30 million is???) And sure, that might sound great for the economy, but something is starting to suffer: the experience, the surroundings… and the country’s most precious jewel.
Excessive tourism
Egypt is one of the world’s favorite destinations, and with good reason. It has everything: history, monuments that look like they’re from another planet, crazy theories, lively markets, the Nile running through the country, and a hospitality that many travelers never forget. But as happens in other parts of Europe or Asia, there comes a time when so many visits start to become overwhelming. And there, it’s already noticeable. A lot.
The government knows this and has decided to get serious before the country starts suffering the consequences of so many visits. Yes, tourism represents 10% of the national GDP and brings in more than 6.6 billion dollars a year, but if it’s not managed well, what today is a source of wealth can become a difficult problem to fix… do you know what gentrification is?
Giza, between wonder and chaos
The big tourism star in Egypt is still Giza. Its pyramids are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the country. But everything around it has grown out of control: cars, guides, sellers, tours, shouting, scams… what should be a magical moment turns into a chaotic experience for many, and something has to be done about it.
The situation reached such a point that the government launched a plan to reorganize access to the necropolis. What does it include? A new entry point from the Cairo to Fayoum road, reorganizing the entire area, restoring tombs, boosting online ticket sales, and promoting eco-friendly transport inside the site… For whatever reason, limiting the tourist rate is not part of their plans.
Orascom’s plan
The company Orascom Pyramids is leading the change to turn this tourist spot into a top-level destination, and yes, Giza is not just any place, it’s the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
And yes, something needed to be done. The complaints were becoming more and more visible. On social media, stories pile up from travelers who felt harassed by resellers, scammed or directly tricked. And most of us travel based on what we hear, if all we hear about Egypt is bad, it’s normal that people don’t want to come visit the country. That’s when the new tourism plan begins.
And what about the animals?
Another issue that caused a lot of criticism was the treatment of animals. For years, tourists have been able to ride camels, donkeys or horses… but in very questionable conditions. PETA and other organizations have long denounced that many of these animals are malnourished, injured or simply mistreated.
In a world where everything gets recorded, shared and commented on instantly, just a couple of viral videos can damage the reputation of a destination. And Egypt cannot afford that. That’s why this change is not just a matter of image or ethics: it’s a necessity if they want to keep attracting travelers for generations.
Taking care of what they have, organizing the chaos, and protecting both the monuments and the visitors (and the animals) is the only way for the country to keep shining as one of the most incredible destinations in the world. Because yes, the pyramids are eternal… but tourists’ patience is not.