Introduction

This report focuses mainly on the Group_1question, if Fayoum Oasis in Egypt is suitable for ecotourism. A group of students of the Institute for Technology in the Tropics (ITT) of the Fh Köln and students of the University in Cairo visited Fayoum to do intensive research on the spot.

It was verified if the region Fayoum fulfils the “Criteria of Ecotourism of the European Standard”. The study trip was undertaken in May 2013 to recognize wether there is awareness of ecotourism certification and what role plays tourism in general. What makes Fayoum valuable for tourists and what is offered to them? Is Fayoum well prepared for international tourists and is the ecosystem protected of degradation of tourism activities? Does the community benefit from tourism in Fayoum? The objective of this report is to point out the potentials considering ecotourism in Fayoum and to submit some proposals what could be improved.

“Ecotourism”, also called “nature – based tourism”, is a form of tourism where the environment and the local community is taken into account. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines Ecotourism as the following: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Ecotourism is supposed to satisfy the today’s needs of tourists and host regions while keeping and maximizing future opportunities. It is supposed to lead to management of all resources that fulfils economic, social and aesthetic requirements. Cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and livelihood shall be maintained.

The focus is on:

  • Conservation and development of natural and cultural heritage (Ecology)
  • Ensuring tourism satisfaction
  • Improvement of the quality of life of the indigenous population (Social)
  • Economic strengthening of the region (Economics)

To standardize the requirements and to enabling a certification system, some criteria have been established by the EU. This criteria is based on a specific rating system, which can be applied easily for every indicator.
In the detailed description of the case it is given more information about the Oasis Fayoum, the tourist activities and the locations, as well as accommodations for tourists and important sights. The criteria system, the point system and also the achieved points are discussed in detail. The management of resources and waste, infrastructure and structures of government are explained.
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