The APPUCATION OF ECOTOURISM IN SIWA

Abstract

The appearance and the increase of environmental problems associated with tourism in many countries have prompted the search for alternative types of tourism that cause fewer detrimental effects (Boniface and Cooper, 1994; Williams, 1998). Meanwhile, tourists are increasingly placing greater emphasis and concern on environmental quality of destinations, value for money and better customer service (Godfrey and Clarke, 2000).

This has resulted in the diversification of tourism products (Weaver, 1998) and the growth of alternative forms of tourism, especially ecotourism. This type of tourism has gained worldwide recognition and importance in recent years and has been seen as a model of sustainable development, in which natural areas are planned as part of the tourism economic base (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996). Furthermore, new destinations have appeared, especially in developing countries, competing with each other for potential tourists (Godfrey and Clarke, 2000).

As regards Egypt, tourism is one of the cornerstones of the Egyptian economy (Ceballos­ Lascurain, 1997). However, ecotourism is a relatively new field in Egypt (Baha El-Din, 2000).

The Siwa region in Egypt's Western Desert has gained worldwide reputation during the last years. This is because of its high potential for ecotourism including a unique diversity of natural and cultural resources. These resources, if well-managed and sensitively utilized, have a great potential to establish the region as an important and viable ecotourism focal area in the Western Desert (Baha El-Din, 1999).

Research Problem:

Siwa region enjoys a high potential for ecotourism, which is a challenge for its sustainable development and the diversification of its local economy. This is especially true in an economy that relies mainly on agriculture (Baha El-Din, 1999).

However, despite this high potential for ecotourism, it lacks sound planning and management. Development pressures in Siwa are occurring in a haphazard fashion without sufficient consideration for the impacts on natural and cultural heritage sites, as well as, the local community (Baha El-Din, 2000).

Furthermore, development is for short-term gain with little regard for long-term economic sustainability. In addition, much of the tourism development is determined by the key policy-makers and investors from outside the area. These people have low appreciation of the Siwan culture, do not understand the needs of tourist markets and often want to pursue the same unsustainable tourism development models as in other parts of the country. Therefore, large socio-economic changes, as well as, changes in environmental landscapes have occurred. In addition, lack of tourism planning, zoning, effective management and cooperation among all the stakeholders in the area has resulted in increasing environmental problems and degradation of natural and cultural sites. These areas lack restoration and improvement efforts, while many of the community's assets remain unutilized,