INTRODUCTION

“Tourism is a secular pilgrimage. There is something at home that they {tourists] feel is lacking so they go in search of it-searching for an exotic experience that they can either benefit or learn from.”
                --Lecture Notes, Dr. Peterson

Egypt is the cradle of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It has been a destination of intrigue and fascination for world travelers for well over a century. The cultural history of Egypt is varied and diverse and remains that way today. A large portion of the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt are primarily Muslim and about 15% of its population are practicing Copts, an ancient branch of the Christianity. Egyptians are loyal to their religion and that adherence to the rules of Islam effects the culture, and visitors to the country, significantly. There is little crime, drinking, or drug use and cultural traditions for social norms are strictly observed, at least in most public venues.

Since tourism makes up a significant portion of the country’s total income, the government has a long standing commitment to providing safety and comfort for tourists in Egypt. Institutional tourism that includes such sites as national monuments like the Giza Pyramids , the famous Egyptian Museum , and the Library of Alexandria gives travelers exposure to authentic history of ancient Egypt. Tourist Police are abundant in all of the major cities and to a more limited extent, in the rural areas that attract travelers.
From the centuries old Khan al-Khalili marketplace full of native artisans and merchants selling their wares, to the international 5-star hotels, and Felucca boat tours on the Nile River, private sector tourism plays an important role in giving visitors many choices for experiencing the culture and comforts of Egypt and supporting the livelihoods of many citizens.

In the last few decades, the Egyptian government has invested heavily in developing national sites, providing transportation options, and inviting foreign investment in the hospitality industry. The country is staying ahead of the curve in tourist trends, marketing to travelers of varied interests, backgrounds, and ages and providing the destinations and amenities to satisfy them. The industry offers cultural and heritage tourism, adventure tourism, and growing therapeutic and wellness tourism.  Sophisticated Web sites http://www.egypt.travel/  http://www.egypttourism.org/) sell the country as a destination for all, with the great historic monuments for traditional travelers, to snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea for adventurers, desert safaris and sightseeing including sand boarding and jeep trekking for the young . . . or young at heart.

“The desert is like the sea. No one owns it and nothing stops you roaming in any direction. Nothing stops you except for need of water and fuel of some kind.” (Egypt Tourist Authority)

Egypt presents the impression of endless possibilities for travelers. One could spend weeks and even months exploring the people, sites, cities, villages, deserts, and sea sides of the country. As a tourist, choosing destinations with monumental history and those of the common man off the beaten path, accommodations both deluxe and rustic, restaurants with sophisticated cuisine and family kitchens, shopping in the westernized Sharm el Shiek and the narrow alleyways of the Tentmaker’s markets, will give a truly authentic experience and an understanding of the country and culture.