Sustainability of Tourism Development in the city of Ain-Sukhna, Egypt

Abstract

Tourism is a major economic source for Egypt, due to its significant natural and cultural attractions. Yet, rapid development and construction of touristic facilities have a negative impact on the fragile natural and cultural heritage. This paper studies the recent touristic developments of the coastal stretch of Ain-Sukhna on the Red Sea coastal region of Galala Mountain, and their impact on the surrounding natural and cultural attractions. Coral reefs and rich marine life have made this stretch among the prime fishing and scuba diving destinations in the world. The area is also famous for its year-round sunny beaches and the spectacular coastal scenic drive where Galala Mountain reaches the Red Sea. Recently, development has started on the mountains following the construction of Galala Mountain Road. Galala City started with Galala University and several residential, touristic, and commercial facilities. This paper studies the pattern of development in the area during the past 40 years and assesses its impact on natural and cultural resources.

Assessing the Efficacy of Spatial Planning and Architecture in New Cities: A Case Study of Galala City and Its Implications for Responsible Urban Development

“…surrounding ecosystem is protected with minimal changes due to the use of indigenous and semiindigenous plants, trees, and ground cover palettes, as well as recycled water and an effective water conservation irrigation system. [14] The city's architectural design character is consistent with the distinctive coastal mountain nature. The building materials will be from the Red Sea area quarries and landscape planting will be true to sustainable environment.…”

Impact of Climate and Environment Changes on the Sustainability of the Coastal Areas The Case of Ain Sukhna, Red Sea, Egypt

“…(Tallet 2012) Sukhna was famous as the best place for camping and one-day school trips until recent developments took place that occupied most of the virgin and public beaches. Mahgoub studied the recent touristic developments of the coastal stretch of Ain-Sukhna on the Red Sea coastal region of Galala Mountain, and their impact on the surrounding natural and cultural attractions (Mahgoub 2022). He indicated that since the 1967 War the region was designated a military restricted zone and was off-limits to civilian and public activities.…”

“…The success of Porto Sukhna encouraged more luxurious developments and gated communities to be established in the area like La Vista and Telal. (Mahgoub 2022) Recently, development has started on the Galala Mountain Plateau following the construction of Galala Mountain Road and te establishment of Galala City, located 700 meters above sea level on the Galala al-Bahariya Mountains between Ain-Sukhna and Zaafarana, covering approximately 19,000 feddans. The city hosts Galala University that started operational on 2020 with 1500 students, and currently 5000 students, in 16 fields of studies and 37 programs, and is planned to grow to 25,000 students by 2030.…”

“…As described by Mahgoub, the natural environment has undergone significant change. For development, the mountains are being terraced (Mahgoub 2022). Figure 9 illustrates how the debris of the leveling and excavations activities thrown to the sides of the mountains creating a new hazard since they could be carried by rain water during heavy rains and unpredictable changes in rain flood paths.…”