Tourism as a tool of development: the case study of Siwa oasis – Egypt western desert

Abstract

Challenges confronting the world’s visitor attractions vary both in scale and nature according to their location and ecosystem. Tourism is generally regarded as less destructive to the environment than most other industries; nevertheless, its sheer size and widespread presence create negative physical and social environmental damage. A case study of Siwa Oasis, Egypt Western Desert is selected, seeking to build a tourism industry depending on its resources. This paper helps to evaluate the present state of tourism in Siwa Oasis, to consider the prospects of tourism as a tool of development in the oasis and to establish guidelines for a sustainable development approach. A field survey was conducted based on qualitative approach, in order to investigate experts’ opinions about the development of Siwa Oasis as a tourist destination. Conclusions focused on the need to reassess the tourism development process at the oasis, perceiving Siwa as a natural asset that needs to be preserved and confirming that, as a result of overuse of resources, it is important to discourage overdevelopment especially non ecological development projects, suggesting the application of strong sustainability criteria.