Cairo Watch Dr Yahia Abdulqader 19 07 2026

Overview

Tourism expert Dr. Yahia Abdel-Qader discusses Egypt’s efforts to boost and manage archaeological tourism, with a focus on Saqqara and wider improvements aimed at accessibility and market growth.

Major Saqqara Upgrade Project

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is upgrading key visitor infrastructure at the Saqqara archaeological site, including:

• Internal roads improvements
• Expanded visitor services
• Support around the Saqqara Museum and the Step Pyramid area

The goal is to build an integrated visitor “ecosystem” that enhances:

• Mobility
• Accessibility
• Hospitality
• A wider variety of experiences, not just short sightseeing visits

Why Saqqara Attracts Tourists

Saqqara is described as a highly significant ancient pilgrimage-type heritage site, valued for rare and culturally important elements, including references to ancient religious symbolism such as the ibis and sacred bull.

Improving Competitiveness and Visitor Experience

Upgraded facilities are expected to make visits more:

• Comfortable (e.g., sun shades)
• Seamless (smoother movement between key areas)
• Memorable and immersive, encouraging:
  • Longer stays
  • Stronger word-of-mouth promotion globally

Preventing Overtourism and Reducing Crowding

Dr. Abdel-Qader argues that improved site infrastructure can help mitigate overtourism by:

• Protecting fragile archaeological assets
• Reducing queues
• Limiting harmful overcrowding

Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility is presented as a core requirement, including:

• Wheelchair-accessible pathways
• Broader accessible tourism practices

He highlights training initiatives for tour guides, including preparation for visitors with disabilities such as:

• Deaf/blind travelers

This includes:

• Sign-language-capable guide approaches
• Ongoing training to support accessibility year-round

Outlook for Summer Tourism

Despite disruptions affecting travel routes (tied to regional conflict for roughly four months), Dr. Abdel-Qader expects good inbound flows. Egypt continues to receive hundreds of flights daily to major airports and tourist destinations, including:

• Hurghada
• Marsa Alam
• Sharm El Sheikh
• Cairo
• Borg El Arab
• El Alamein

He remains optimistic about achieving strong annual results.

Broader Tourism Services and Repeat Visitation

Success is described as dependent on foundational services such as:

• Transport
• Accommodation
• Food
• Professional guiding

Dr. Abdel-Qader also notes that many visitors return multiple times within 5–7 years, supported by continuous new attractions, including:

• The Cairo Egyptian National Museum
• The Grand Egyptian Museum

Need for New Markets and Expanded Air Access

Dr. Abdel-Qader emphasizes that opening new tourism markets depends heavily on air connectivity, advocating for:

• Adding roughly 10 more airports to stimulate demand

He also points to growth supported by:

• Budget/charter airline options
• Increased demand supported by Sphinx Airport

Presenter / Contributor

• Dr. Yahia Abdel-Qader — Tourism expert