We also frequently compare our stability to the civil strife and conflict that have gripped fellow Arab countries, such as Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, leading to millions of internally displaced people and refugees. But we rarely think about how our current security and stability affects various other aspects of life. Of course, it is important that we feel safe in our homes and our streets, but security and stability also have major social, economic, and political ramifications.

The Financial Times recently featured an important report on global tourism trends. Citing Sebastian Ebel, chief executive of the international tour operator TUI, FT observed that countries such as Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan have vanished from the maps of international tourist firms because of the current situation in the region. Egypt, by contrast, is still going strong as a tourist magnet. TUI operates more than 400 hotels worldwide, 17 cruise ships, and five European airlines. According to Ebel, the firm aims to expand its operations outside Europe, where tourist demand has declined, and is exploring the most attractive tourist destinations in Africa, Asia and South America in the light of the growth in demand for what it termed long-haul destinations.

Undoubtedly, the key factor that sets Egypt apart from the other three Middle Eastern countries mentioned is security and stability. These qualities have virtually disappeared from Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan, while they prevail from Alexandria to Aswan and from Sinai to the Western Oases. Undoubtedly, the Ministry of Tourism has contributed to this through its drive to conclude agreements with some of the world’s leading tour operators.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 29 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly