Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability: Linking the Past, the Present and the Future in the Egyptian Hotels to Improve the Tourist Experience

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Associate Professor in Hotel Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism & Hotels, Alexandria University.

2 Professor in Tourist Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism & Hotels, Alexandria University.

3 Assistant Professor in Tourist Guidance Department, High Institute of Tourism and Hotels in Alexandria (EGOTH).

Abstract

The current study explores how Egyptian hotels can combine heritage, innovation, and sustainability to provide an unforgettable experience for their guests, considering the evolving expectations of tourists. The study employed a mixed-methods strategy that included both quantitative and qualitative data. First, the data from the hotel guests using a structured questionnaire was collected via a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The research subsequently collected data from tourist reviews about two specific hotels (Tulip Hotel in Aswan and the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor) through online booking platforms. The researchers also interviewed the management of the two hotels in order to acquire a better understanding of the heritage discourse.
The results demonstrate that blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability results in a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for tourists, as seen at the Tulip Hotel in Aswan and the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor. Through these components, hotel guests experience the past, present, and future in a unique and valuable way. The findings are consistent with the reality that tourists visit Egypt to meet a variety of expectations; they want to see the great civilization, but they also demand innovative service and sustainable practices.
This study may contribute to theoretical knowledge by providing a more comprehensive approach to the tourist experience, rather than focusing just on facilities and services. The study also has practical consequences for hotel managers and decision-makers in terms of strategically optimizing the guest experience, which reflects Egypt's overall image.

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