Exploring the Potential Aspects of Surf Tourism in Egypt

Surf tourism is a booming industry that is economically, environmentally, socially, and culturally significant to many destinations around the world. Water sports have been practiced in Egypt since ancient times, due to its rich water resources (the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Nile River). Surf tourism has recently emerged as one of the newest and most promising tourism patterns. The aim of the research is to study the concept of surf tourism, explain the importance of surf tourism, explain the classification of surf tourists, identify surf tourists’ motives and preferences, explore the potential of surf tourism in Egypt, investigate the most important tools to promote this pattern, as well as identify the opportunities and challenges facing surf tourism in Egypt. In this context, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with sixteen experts in tourism, sports tourism, and water sports activities, and questionnaire forms were distributed to surfers and surf tourists. According to the findings, Egypt has opportunities for developing surf tourism, including beautiful beaches, temperate climate, access to surf spots; affordable prices; a variety of accommodation; friendly locals; good safety and security. Surf tourism in Egypt could be promoted through social media, short films, surfing competitions, and tourism companies. The majority of tourists prefer destinations with a variety of wave types, easy access to surf spots, and accessibility to the surf destination.