Developing a Competitive Accessibility Chain Approach in Egyptian Heritage Sites for Better Market Share of Grey Tourism: Aswan Case Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Tourism and Hotel management-Helwan University

2 Wurzburg University Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Abstract

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that accessibility is a key area of UNWTO’s work in sustainable tourism development highlighting ‘Accessible Tourism for All’. Nevertheless, physical, and mental impairments, family situations, economic barriers, age, illness, and other restricted capacities still hinder many to participate in tourism on equal terms. Among those who find difficulty in practicing tourism is a large section of elderly people who would like to enjoy free-hindrance tourism. This market is growing increasingly having gained tremendous significance in the global tourism industry and thus special measures have to be taken to satisfy their experience.

Despite accessibility becoming more globally conceptualized, and the Egyptian tourism destinations are nowadays in an increasingly globalized and challenging market, tourism accessibility has yet to be comprehensively addressed in Egypt’s heritage sites. A better understanding of accessibility in tourist attractions necessitates a securing accessibility chain approach which, as described by UNWHO “a comprehensive supply of Tourism for All products and services in which all the elements of the supply chain (reservation systems, accommodation, transport, etc.) are easily accessed.” The latter approach has not yet tapped into Egyptian heritage sites. For several reasons, Aswan, as one of the irreplaceable Egyptian sites, could be an ideal destination for grey tourism.

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