Latest news with #OrascomPyramidsEntertainmentServicesCompany
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.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Why Egypt's £38 million ‘revamp' of the Pyramids of Giza is long overdue
To paraphrase a familiar saying, there are lies, damned lies and misleading headlines. And if you have noticed recent reports of a '$51 million revamp' (£38 million) of the Pyramids at Giza – and frustrations with it – then you may have a few questions. True, the Pyramids site is currently in the midst of a multi-million-dollar 'overhaul'. But this has nothing to do with adding an extra tier to Khufu's grave, or painting the Sphinx a brighter colour to make it look more alluring in an Instagram feed. The plan is mainly concerned with improving the visitor experience at what is a place of inestimable historical worth – and with protecting international tourists from some of the more aggressive attempts to part them from their money. Anyone who has made a pilgrimage to Giza will know that the latter has long been a problem. For many travellers, a stroll around the complex is not a serene exercise in admiring the marvels of centuries past. It is a trying scenario in which you are harried at every step by hawkers and 'guides' – desperate to sell you everything from plastic scarab-beetles to donkey rides, photo 'opportunities' with sad camels, and their 'expertise'. It can be an exhausting process – sometimes verging on the unpleasant. A change to this attritional situation is one element of the 'revamp'. Last week saw a new gateway given a trial run. Traditionally, visitors have reached the site via the main entrance, on the north-east side of the complex. But recent days have seen the testing of a fresh way in, on the Faiyum Desert Road, on the monuments' north-western flank. This is a deliberate measure, designed to reduce congestion – in part by limiting the access afforded to private vehicles. Instead, the ambition is for tourists to transfer to more eco-friendly electric coaches that will carry them the last metres to the Pyramids. A reasonable idea, you might think – but inevitably, it has caused howls of protest from the local vendors. There have been accusations of restraint of trade; complaints that moving the gate excludes them from the game. And with an even greater inevitability, there have been attempts to block the new entrance, leading to even greater congestion. This is hardly surprising. In a country of high poverty levels, tourists are a key source of income for those who work on the fringes of the industry. Keeping them at bay is never going to be a popular initiative. Not that the demonstrations seem to have worried the head of the company charged with the modernisation of the site. In a post on X, Naguib Sawiris, the founder of the Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, wrote that 'the well-being of the public and preservation of this treasure is more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to this country for years.' There are, undoubtedly, more tactful ways of expressing this sentiment, but many would say that Mr Sawiris has a point. The Pyramids of Giza are, perhaps, the most remarkable ancient landmarks in the world. They should be a world-class experience for those who pay to see them – not a random backdrop to endless tugs at the elbow. You do not have to undergo such harassment if you visit the Acropolis in Athens, or the Colosseum in Rome; icons similar in magnificence (if not quite in age). Not only do visitors to the Pyramids deserve to appreciate their splendour in a calm context, the tombs themselves deserve it. Moreover, there are increasingly obvious signs that visitors are unhappy with the fraught ambience around the complex. Earlier this month, a Dutch veterinary nurse sparked consternation in Egypt when she was caught on camera, punching, then chasing a 19-year-old local man who had been whipping a donkey close to the archaeological site. Joke van der Post both apologised for, and explained, her actions, saying that 'I don't think violence is the smartest thing to do, but it's the only thing I could do at that moment. He's taller and stronger than me – and old enough to know right from wrong.' Of course, there is more to this 'revamp' of the Pyramids than altering the way in. Thankfully, plans to replace some of the granite blocks on the smallest of the three main tombs (the Pyramid of Menkaure), mooted in January, have been quietly dropped. But the broader blueprint – to bring the Giza necropolis in line with the likes of the Acropolis as a 21st century heritage attraction – is well under way. The Grand Egyptian Museum – the much-delayed, much-heralded showcase for the treasures of the country's incomparable ancient story – is effectively open just under two miles north-west of the Pyramids (its official inauguration is pencilled in for July 3, but its galleries are accessible). Ultimately, the two sites will be connected via an area of hotels and pedestrian pathways (of which the new entrance will be a part) which will facilitate a much easier journey between them. As the overall name of the project – Giza 2030 – alludes, the complete picture is still five years away. But if it results in the Pyramids being fit for the modern world, and not just the ancient, then Egypt, as well as the many travellers who visit it, will be the beneficiary. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Telegraph
Why Egypt's £38 million ‘revamp' of the Pyramids of Giza is long overdue
To paraphrase a familiar saying, there are lies, damned lies and misleading headlines. And if you have noticed recent reports of a '$51 million revamp' (£38 million) of the Pyramids at Giza – and frustrations with it – then you may have a few questions. True, the Pyramids site is currently in the midst of a multi-million-dollar 'overhaul'. But this has nothing to do with adding an extra tier to Khufu's grave, or painting the Sphinx a brighter colour to make it look more alluring in an Instagram feed. The plan is mainly concerned with improving the visitor experience at what is a place of inestimable historical worth – and with protecting international tourists from some of the more aggressive attempts to part them from their money. Anyone who has made a pilgrimage to Giza will know that the latter has long been a problem. For many travellers, a stroll around the complex is not a serene exercise in admiring the marvels of centuries past. It is a trying scenario in which you are harried at every step by hawkers and 'guides' – desperate to sell you everything from plastic scarab-beetles to donkey rides, photo 'opportunities' with sad camels, and their 'expertise'. It can be an exhausting process – sometimes verging on the unpleasant. A change to this attritional situation is one element of the 'revamp'. Last week saw a new gateway given a trial run. Traditionally, visitors have reached the site via the main entrance, on the north-east side of the complex. But recent days have seen the testing of a fresh way in, on the Faiyum Desert Road, on the monuments' north-western flank. This is a deliberate measure, designed to reduce congestion – in part by limiting the access afforded to private vehicles. Instead, the ambition is for tourists to transfer to more eco-friendly electric coaches that will carry them the last metres to the Pyramids. A reasonable idea, you might think – but inevitably, it has caused howls of protest from the local vendors. There have been accusations of restraint of trade; complaints that moving the gate excludes them from the game. And with an even greater inevitability, there have been attempts to block the new entrance, leading to even greater congestion. This is hardly surprising. In a country of high poverty levels, tourists are a key source of income for those who work on the fringes of the industry. Keeping them at bay is never going to be a popular initiative. Not that the demonstrations seem to have worried the head of the company charged with the modernisation of the site. In a post on X, Naguib Sawiris, the founder of the Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, wrote that 'the well-being of the public and preservation of this treasure is more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to this country for years.' There are, undoubtedly, more tactful ways of expressing this sentiment, but many would say that Mr Sawiris has a point. The Pyramids of Giza are, perhaps, the most remarkable ancient landmarks in the world. They should be a world-class experience for those who pay to see them – not a random backdrop to endless tugs at the elbow. You do not have to undergo such harassment if you visit the Acropolis in Athens, or the Colosseum in Rome; icons similar in magnificence (if not quite in age). Not only do visitors to the Pyramids deserve to appreciate their splendour in a calm context, the tombs themselves deserve it. Moreover, there are increasingly obvious signs that visitors are unhappy with the fraught ambience around the complex. Earlier this month, a Dutch veterinary nurse sparked consternation in Egypt when she was caught on camera, punching, then chasing a 19-year-old local man who had been whipping a donkey close to the archaeological site. Joke van der Post both apologised for, and explained, her actions, saying that 'I don't think violence is the smartest thing to do, but it's the only thing I could do at that moment. He's taller and stronger than me – and old enough to know right from wrong.' Of course, there is more to this 'revamp' of the Pyramids than altering the way in. Thankfully, plans to replace some of the granite blocks on the smallest of the three main tombs (the Pyramid of Menkaure), mooted in January, have been quietly dropped. But the broader blueprint – to bring the Giza necropolis in line with the likes of the Acropolis as a 21st century heritage attraction – is well under way. The Grand Egyptian Museum – the much-delayed, much-heralded showcase for the treasures of the country's incomparable ancient story – is effectively open just under two miles north-west of the Pyramids (its official inauguration is pencilled in for July 3, but its galleries are accessible). Ultimately, the two sites will be connected via an area of hotels and pedestrian pathways (of which the new entrance will be a part) which will facilitate a much easier journey between them. As the overall name of the project – Giza 2030 – alludes, the complete picture is still five years away. But if it results in the Pyramids being fit for the modern world, and not just the ancient, then Egypt, as well as the many travellers who visit it, will be the beneficiary.
The National
28-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Pyramids of Giza tourist experience to be revamped in $51 million project
The visitor experience at the Pyramids of Giza will be revamped as part of a $51 million initiative, the Egyptian government has revealed. The Giza Plateau is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, famous for its pyramids and the Great Sphinx. The site, however, is also notorious for its poor management, hawkish sellers and reports of animal abuse. The new initiative, spearheaded by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, aims to address these complaints. Better preservation measures, tomb restoration and improved animal treatment are among the key goals of the project. A new visitors centre and an online ticketing platform are also in the pipeline. Certain aspects of the revamping plan have already been implemented. A fleet of 45 electric buses have been introduced to site. The buses are scheduled to run every five minutes. The plan will also tackle traffic and overcrowding issues at the site. A new access point to the site was set last week, but it was met by protest from local vendors. Tour operators blocked traffic into the premises as they rallied against their relocation to the parking area, saying the move will hurt their business. Naguib Sawiris, founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, said vendors who refused to relocate will be held accountable. 'They should go to their designated zones as planned by the state and stay away from the bus routes to avoid disrupting the tourist experience,' he wrote on X. 'Those who refuse should be banned to preserve this historic district. Public well-being is far more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to the country for years.' Plans to revamp tourist experience comes in the lead-up of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Located 2km from the Pyramids of Giza, the museum is set to officially open in July, following years of delays. A number of the halls are already open to visitors. Egypt is one of the region's top tourist destinations. According to Wego, the country has been topping its list of top international trending destinations since the online travel marketplace began tracking numbers in 2014. The company recently released its 2025 statistics and Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan and the UAE are ranked in the remaining top five respectively. 'Egypt and Saudi Arabia have consistently held leading positions on our platform, a reflection of their strong outbound and domestic travel appetite, well-established tourism infrastructure, and year-round demand,' said Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego. 'This upward trend has remained steady for over a decade, supported by increased connectivity and evolving traveller preferences.'
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Egypt's Pyramids to undergo $51M revamp
By Published: | Updated: Egypt is giving one the world's most iconic landmarks a major upgrade in hopes of improving the visitor experience. The Pyramids of Giza draw over 14 million tourists each year, but travelers often leave underwhelmed by their experience at the historic UNESCO World Heritage site. Now, a $51 million (£38 million) project led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company is aiming to change that. As part of the initiative, 45 electric buses have been introduced to shuttle visitors around the site every five minutes. A modern online ticketing system, an upgraded visitor centre and the restoration of ancient tombs are also in the works, as reported by the Express. In a statement shared to X, Naguib Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding, highlighted the 'offensive' behaviour of around 2,000 camel and horse riders. Sawiris wrote: 'The disruption of the continuous tourist bus route, the horse and camel manure and their foul-smelling waste that offends and pollutes the most important archaeological site in the world make the visit a very bad experience.' He also emphasised that vendors who fail to move to a newly designated zone will be banned, adding: 'The solution is that they must go to the exercise area as planned by the state and stay away from the asphalt bus route to avoid obstructing tourists. In addition, a recent investigation by animal rights group PETA has exposed serious abuse of camels and horses used for tourist rides at the site. PETA claims the animals are beaten, starved, and sometimes left to die in the street. Jason Baker, Vice President of PETA Asia, said: 'PETA has 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.' It comes after an animal-loving Dutch vigilante who attacked a man she saw beating a donkey in Egypt is now facing a lawsuit. Astonishing footage shows expat Joke Van der Post punching the animal's handler before chasing him with a whip as he tries to flee. As the man tries to run away Ms Van der Post, who manages a veterinary practice called the Good Karma Sanctuary, grabs a whip from another donkey handler and chases him off into the distance. The man filed a police complaint accusing Ms Van der Post of assault and claiming appearing in the viral video has caused him 'psychological harm', local media reports.
