Perhaps it's best to ask a person who has recently visited a country if it is safe or not. In April my father traveled to Egypt and Jordan with a group that consisted of the four association presidents of the NTA1, the USTOA2, ASTA3 and the ATA4, four members of the travel press and five tour operators. He told me how he never felt insecure or felt bad vibes from the local people. Not only himself, but everyone was surprised in a positive way. Everyone they met made them feel welcome. The local people know that the recent events have caused some short term pains - especially due to the negative impact on tourism - but they see the future as bright and their lives to be far better than before. We can help them to find a better future through tourism, by taking travelers to these destinations which are rich with culture, and offer them a chance to see sites which are truly wonders of the world.
I was recently speaking with my friend, Romani Gaballa in Egypt. He is an Egyptologist and an accomplished tour guide. It is a historic time in Egypt. There are similarities and differences to our own country in 1776. If you have interest in traveling to Egypt in this historic time, we please let us know. I have a church group with him right now. They will be waking in not too long to climb Mount Sinai. In the mean time I would like to share some of the questions I recently asked Romani and his answers.
Q-Can you tell me a moving story about recent travelers to Cairo and what they experienced.
A- I have not met many (travelers) after the revolution, but last month I led a shore excursion with three Americans from the Seabourn Cruise Ship. It was on a Friday which is the common day for protesting at Tahrir Square in front of the Egyptian Museum, so we were ready with the Egyptian Flags for them. People came to take pictures with us. My clients were so happy and moved by the friendliness of the Egyptians even in a demonstration , there were thousands that day. One of my clients looked at me and said, “ I am so happy that our ship decided to make this visit. It was the first after the revolution. I am so proud and feel a great privilege to be here and participate in writing a new page in the very long Egyptian history.” It really touched me.
Q- Are travelers safe in Egypt and how will they be received?
A- No Doubt. It is a revolution against the government representing injustice, oppression, and violence towards its own people. Many top VIPs from all over the world have come to meet with Egyptian officials and have been to Tahrir Square with the normal security procedures the government does, and they were so much welcomed by ordinary people.
Q- What does it mean for you, Cloudina (his wife) and the girls to be living in Egypt during these historic times?
A- For me, these were far away hopes of fixing the country, and we trust God that it will go in the right way, and everyone is doing their best to make sure that will happens.
For Cloudina, she likes what she knows more than something she doesn’t know. Cloudina says, "Nothing has changed yet," as you know ladies sometimes say when they want something and they want it NOW.
For the Girls, I think we should be very careful when we answer to their requests, the revolution has influenced them. One night Aurora wanted something before bed which was not allowed, so she went to her room , got her Egyptian flag, then went to her mother putting her hand up with the flag saying the revolution slogan (system fall down).
[2] United States Tour Operator Association
[3] American society of Travel Agents
[4] Adventure Travel Association
