Latest news with #GreatSphinx
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Kaloy Tingcungco visits Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt
Kaloy Tingcungco's trip to Egypt is one for the books! On Instagram, the 'Unang Hirit' host shared his visit to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt. Kaloy's post featured the Great Sphinx, a mythical monument carved from limestone, known for its body of a lion and the head of a human. 'An Egypt carousel post—this time featuring the Great Sphinx,' he said in the caption. Aside from the famous landmark, Kaloy also visited the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only still existing wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Kaloy is a mainstay in 'Unang Hirit,' a Kapuso morning show airing from Mondays to Fridays, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Among the new members of the UH Barkada include Winwyn Marquez, Michael Sager, and Josh Ford. Enjoy your Egyptian trip, Kaloy! —Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News
Time Business News
24-05-2025
- Time Business News
Exploring Cairo with Divago Egypt Tours: Where Ancient Meets Modern
Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt, is a city that beautifully blends the wonders of ancient history with the vibrant pulse of modern life. For travelers eager to witness the grandeur of one of the world's oldest civilizations alongside the bustling energy of a thriving metropolis, Cairo offers an unforgettable experience. Exploring Cairo with Divago Egypt Tours means diving into this captivating mix of old and new, with expert guides who bring the city's stories to life in ways that are both enlightening and thrilling. Divago Egypt Tours has been a trusted name in travel for over 35 years, specializing in crafting journeys that highlight Egypt's most remarkable destinations. Known for their skilled operators, knowledgeable tour guides, and excellent drivers, they are a favorite among travelers worldwide. Whether you are seeking a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a personalized tour, Divago Egypt Tours creates itineraries that are both comprehensive and flexible, ensuring every visitor's wishes are fulfilled. When you think of Cairo, images of towering pyramids and mysterious sphinxes often come to mind. The city is the gateway to some of the most famous monuments in human history, including the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. These colossal structures have stood for thousands of years, telling tales of a civilization that mastered architecture, art, and astronomy long before many modern societies existed. Divago Egypt Tours offers immersive visits to these ancient sites, allowing travelers to walk among the giants of the past. The guides provide fascinating insights into the lives of the pharaohs, the religious beliefs that shaped their world, and the intricate craftsmanship that still amazes archaeologists today. Beyond the pyramids, Cairo's Egyptian Museum holds an incredible collection of artifacts, including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, offering a closer look at the art and culture of ancient Egypt. Visiting these landmarks is not just about sightseeing; it is about connecting with a civilization that continues to influence the world. Divago Egypt Tours ensures that every step through these historic sites is filled with meaning and wonder, deepening your appreciation for the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptians. While ancient monuments are a major draw, Cairo is also a city alive with modern culture and energy. The bustling streets, colorful markets, and lively cafes offer a glimpse into the everyday life of Egyptians today. Exploring Cairo with Divago Egypt Tours means experiencing this vibrant atmosphere alongside your journey through history. The famous Khan El Khalili bazaar is a must-see for anyone wanting to soak up the city's local flavor. This market is a treasure trove of spices, textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts, where the sounds of bargaining and the scent of exotic perfumes fill the air. It's a place where history and commerce blend seamlessly, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and winding alleys. In addition to shopping, modern Cairo boasts a lively food scene that blends traditional Egyptian dishes with international flavors. From street food stalls selling falafel and koshari to elegant restaurants serving gourmet meals, there is something to delight every palate. Divago Egypt Tours helps travelers discover the best local eateries, making sure your taste buds enjoy the adventure as much as your eyes. One of the biggest challenges when traveling to a city as large and complex as Cairo is planning an itinerary that balances all your interests. Divago Egypt Tours excels at this, offering expertly designed packages that cover all the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelming. Their team has decades of experience and a deep understanding of Egypt's culture, history, and geography. Booking a trip with Divago Egypt Tours means you can relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that all logistics—from transportation to accommodations and guided tours—are handled smoothly. Whether you want to explore the city's ancient sites, cruise the Nile River, or take day trips to nearby wonders like Alexandria or the Red Sea, Divago Egypt Tours creates a customized experience that fits your needs and budget. The company's reputation is supported by glowing reviews from travelers who praise their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly service. When you choose Divago Egypt Tours, you join thousands of others who have discovered the joy of exploring Egypt without stress, fully immersed in the magic of this unique destination. While Cairo is a central highlight, Divago Egypt Tours also opens the door to Egypt's diverse regions, each with its own special charm. From the mythical golden lands of Luxor and Aswan, rich with temples and tombs, to the tropical waters of the Red Sea in Hurghada, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Travelers often combine their Cairo visit with a Nile River cruise, which offers a relaxing way to see the heart of Egypt's ancient civilization unfold along the riverbanks. Divago Egypt Tours provides easy booking options for these cruises, ensuring travelers experience the scenic beauty and historic sites in comfort and style. For those seeking natural wonders, the Egyptian Sahara Desert presents a breathtaking landscape of endless dunes and star-filled skies. The holy land of Sinai and the pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria, also add layers of history and beauty to any Egyptian tour. Every destination on these tours is carefully selected to offer a perfect balance of cultural richness, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, making your Egyptian journey truly complete. Traveling with Divago Egypt Tours is more than just a vacation; it is an opportunity to step into a world where time blends and stories come alive. Their dedication to quality, safety, and personalized service means you can explore Cairo and beyond with confidence and joy. Whether you are marveling at the ancient pyramids, bargaining in bustling markets, or cruising the legendary Nile, Divago Egypt Tours ensures every moment is packed with discovery and delight. Their expert team turns dreams of exploring Egypt into reality, offering an adventure that is as enriching as it is exciting. To start your unforgettable journey and discover where ancient meets modern in Cairo, visit and take the first step toward one of the most amazing travel experiences of your life. In conclusion, exploring Cairo with Divago Egypt Tours reveals a city where the grandeur of ancient Egypt meets the dynamic spirit of modern life. With expertly guided tours, personalized itineraries, and a deep respect for history and culture, Divago Egypt Tours provides an unmatched way to experience this incredible destination. From the timeless pyramids to the lively streets and beyond, your Egyptian adventure awaits. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Chinese hill painted white in botched attempt to mimic Mount Fuji sparks laughter
A tourist spot in China has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after painting a small hill white to look like Japan's famous Mount Fuji, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. Located in Hebei province, the attraction called Universe Fantasy Land has drawn widespread laughter online. The white-topped hill, nicknamed the 'snow cap matcha volcano' by some, charges visitors 98 yuan (around £11), with a discounted online price of 78 yuan. The site was designed as a fairy-tale escape for stressed-out city residents from Beijing. It includes a shiny lake, green grass, a white horse, and a cute wooden cottage, all meant to give a relaxing countryside feel, according to SCMP. There's a fake Mount Fuji at 宇宙思想乐园 (cosmic thought park) in Linqi Valley (林栖谷), Yongqing County (永清县), Langfang (廊坊), Heibei, near Beijing… left video: what you see in promo videos right pics and video: what you actually see there 😂😂😂 — Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) May 2, 2025 But visitors quickly realised the 'mountain' was nothing more than a painted hill. 'Just a small hill with white paint on its top. It has nothing to do with Mount Fuji,' one tourist told SCMP. Another visitor added, 'You don't have to pay to see the real Mount Fuji, but here you're paying for a fake one.' The management team, from Linqigu Real Estate Company, even referred to the hill as a 'volcano', adding weekend 'eruptions' with pink smoke for effect. A staff member told SCMP in April that the site has been improved since its opening in September last year. Photos shared online show a staircase and a small door at the back of the hill, and a white horse is brought out for photo ops once a day. Despite the magical marketing, many tourists felt misled. 'Just another case of people being tricked by glamorous photos,' said one visitor. This is not the first time Hebei province has recreated famous landmarks. In the past, it has built replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Great Sphinx, and even parts of the Great Wall.
New York Post
30-04-2025
- New York Post
Egypt facing major problem at iconic pyramids as tourism booms: ‘Avoid all these scammers'
Egypt's tourism sector is booming but just like in some parts of Europe and Asia – it's starting to feel the pinch of overcrowding. In 2024 alone, it welcomed nearly 17.5 million tourists and with the ambitious goal of reaching 30 million by 2030, the country has decided to act. While the economy is thriving, the influx of visitors has led to overcrowding, especially at popular sites like the Giza Plateau, with tour guides, street vendors, aggressive resellers and tourist vehicles tarnishing the experiences of many. Some tourists have taken to social media to express their concerns and share their experiences of the Giza Plateau – home to several pyramids and the Great Sphinx. 'When you come to see the pyramids, avoid all these scammers,' South Africa travel influencer Kurt Caz said in a clip. 'Alright, we made it to the other side and these guys are still following me. 'I told you I am looking, I told you I will come back later … see when it doesn't go their way they start getting a little cheeky.' His clip from 2023 has been liked almost 1 million times with tens of thousands of people still weighing in on the issue. 4 Travel influencer Kurt Caz posted a viral video showing the amount of 'scammers' found around Egypt's Giza pyramids. TikTok / @kurtcaz 4 Caz filmed himself being followed by Egyptian men near the pyramids. TikTok / @kurtcaz 'Ppl are now filming more 'avoid the scammers' than they are pyramids,' one person wrote. 'Every tourist destination in the world has the same thing,' said another. Others complained the pyramids are beautiful, but the scammers ruin the experience. As such, Egypt is taking steps to clean up the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been plagued by poor management and unregulated and aggressive vendors for years. Last week, a new access point to the complex on the Fayoum Highway was tested, replacing the historic entrance near Marriott Mena House, which frequently suffers from traffic jams and congestion. 4 Egypt set the goal of welcoming 30 million tourists by 2030. Photo by HASAN MROUE/AFP via Getty Images The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is reportedly set to cost $51 million, according to Euro News. However, it has got off to a rocky start with the trial run copping pushback from horse and camel tour operators, who blocked vehicles from entering in a protest against their relocation to new designated parking areas. They say these are too far from the entrance and will damage business, Euro News reported. The vendors have long been accused of harassment and alleged extortion by visitors. Businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, wrote on X that sellers who refuse to move to the new zone area would be banned. 'The wellbeing 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,' he posted. Meanwhile, reports of animal cruelty such as the alleged treatment of animals used for tourist rides from horses, to donkeys and camels has also drawn harsh criticism. Organizations like PETA have been denouncing it for years. 'As detailed in a previous PETA Asia investigation, many camels purchased at the Birqash market end up at Egypt's top historical sites, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and Saqqara's ancient burial site, to provide tourists with rides,' PETA said in a statement in 2023. 'And there's no retirement for these animals after a lifetime of servitude. Once they're too worn out to continue giving rides, they're returned to the market to be sent to slaughter.' PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker also claimed the organization has as 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.' 4 Egyptian tourists have reported overcrowding and aggressive vendors in the area near the pyramids. Photo by Wang Dongzhen/Xinhua via Getty Images However, the government has acted, launching a specific animal welfare program in the main tourist spots, including Giza that will see eco-friendly transport. It is now betting on electric buses inside the necropolis to offer a more comfortable and sustainable alternative to animal rides – while also ensuring it does not pollute or cause discomfort to locals. While the transition aims to improve the sustainability of the complex, according to Euro News, some visitors have complained on social media about the availability of the vehicles, saying they've been forced to wait or walk in the heat. In a statement responding to the backlash, Orascom, the construction company leading the project, said 45 electric buses had been made available on the site and are scheduled to run every five minutes. The revamp will also see several tombs restored, the introduction of online ticketing and a new visitor centre. According to Statistica, travel and tourism added around $31 billion to Egypt's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. Compared to 2020, this was an increase from $17.2 billion.
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- News.com.au
Sad reality behind Egypt's Giza Pyramids
Egypt's tourism sector is booming but just like in some parts of Europe and Asia – it's starting to feel the pinch of overcrowding. In 2024 alone, it welcomed nearly 17.5 million tourists and with the ambitious goal of reaching 30 million by 2030, the country has decided to act. While the economy is thriving, the influx of visitors has led to overcrowding, especially at popular sites like the Giza Plateau, with tour guides, street vendors, aggressive resellers and tourist vehicles tarnishing the experiences of many. Some tourists have taken to social media to express their concerns and share their experiences of the Giza Plateau – home to several pyramids and the Great Sphinx. 'When you come to see the pyramids, avoid all these scammers,' South Africa travel influencer Kurt Caz said in a clip. 'Alright, we made it to the other side and these guys are still following me. 'I told you I am looking, I told you I will come back later … see when it doesn't go their way they start getting a little cheeky.' His clip from 2023 has been liked almost 1 million times with tens of thousands of people still weighing in on the issue. 'Ppl are now filming more 'avoid the scammers' than they are pyramids,' one person wrote. 'Every tourist destination in the world has the same thing,' said another. Others complained the pyramids are beautiful, but the scammers ruin the experience. As such, Egypt is taking steps to clean up the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been plagued by poor management and unregulated and aggressive vendors for years. Last week, a new access point to the complex on the Fayoum Highway was tested, replacing the historic entrance near Marriott Mena House, which frequently suffers from traffic jams and congestion. The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is reportedly set to cost $A80 million, according to Euro News. However, it has got off to a rocky start with the trial run copping pushback from horse and camel tour operators, who blocked vehicles from entering in a protest against their relocation to new designated parking areas. They say these are too far from the entrance and will damage business, Euro News reported. The vendors have long been accused of harassment and alleged extortion by visitors. Businessman Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, wrote on X that sellers who refuse to move to the new zone area would be banned. 'The wellbeing 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,' he posted. Meanwhile, reports of animal cruelty such as the alleged treatment of animals used for tourist rides from horses, to donkeys and camels has also drawn harsh criticism. Organisations like PETA have been denouncing it for years. 'As detailed in a previous PETA Asia investigation, many camels purchased at the Birqash market end up at Egypt's top historical sites, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and Saqqara's ancient burial site, to provide tourists with rides,' PETA said in a statement in 2023. 'And there's no retirement for these animals after a lifetime of servitude. Once they're too worn out to continue giving rides, they're returned to the market to be sent to slaughter.' PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker also claimed the organisation has as 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.' However, the government has acted, launching a specific animal welfare program in the main tourist spots, including Giza that will see eco-friendly transport. @funnyoldeworld Big changes to accessing pyramids causing massive issues! #egypt #giza #overcrowding #sacredsites ♬ original sound - JahannahJames It is now betting on electric buses inside the necropolis to offer a more comfortable and sustainable alternative to animal rides – while also ensuring it does not pollute or cause discomfort to locals. While the transition aims to improve the sustainability of the complex, according to Euro News, some visitors have complained on social media about the availability of the vehicles, saying they've been forced to wait or walk in the heat. In a statement responding to the backlash, Orascom, the construction company leading the project, said 45 electric buses had been made available on the site and are scheduled to run every five minutes. The revamp will also see several tombs restored, the introduction of online ticketing and a new visitor centre. According to Statistica, travel and tourism added around $US31 billion – $A48b – to Egypt's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. Compared to 2020, this was an increase from $US17.2 billion – $A27b.
