Tourism in Egypt through the ages: A historical guide

REVIEW BY CATHIE BRYAN Tourism in Egypt currently supports a profitable industry that was consolidated in the 19th century, when package tours were first introduced. The author’s objective is to trace the history of tourism from pharaonic times, arguing that a rudimentary tourism industry existed as far back as the Graeco-Roman period. The book is organised in reverse chronological order, with thematic chapters on the continuous practices of pilgrimage and visiting oracles. An eclectic selection of travellers and practices exemplifies the history of tourism in Egypt after the Roman Empire. Medieval Arab travellers included merchants, pilgrims to Mecca, and treasure-hunters who consul