The Hidden Impact of Domestic Tourism on Five- Star Hotels: Hospitality Stakeholders’ Point of View

Abstract

The crisis in Egyptian tourism has led hotels and stakeholders in the sector to rely on domestic tourism as a temporary alternative to the international tourists who used to spend their vacations, holidays in Egypt, especially after the crash of the Russian plane that fell in the atmosphere of Sharm El-Sheikh, and a number of terrorist incidents that left many of victims. This study aimed at identifying and exploring current challenges faced in the hospitality industry of domestic tourists in Sharm El-Sheikh. The research used structured interviews approach with purposely chosen hospitality stakeholders to explore the challenges encountered in the state of domestic tourists. Multiple regression method of data analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The findings show that hotel managers perceptions of, and impacts towards, domestic tourism in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt were negative. The negative perceptions and impacts portrayed could be evidence of a lack of culture awareness, and policy, which are considered an overall goal of hospitality tourism development.