Egyptian Government Responds Forcefully to Travel Blogger's Critique of Cairo Airport

In response to a damaging blog post by travel blogger Ben Schlappig, Egypt's government has issued a lengthy rebuttal defending Cairo International Airport and emphasizing its ongoing efforts to boost tourism amid economic pressure.

 

Egypt's travel industry, already reeling from an economic crisis, faced a public relations challenge this month when prominent travel blogger Ben Schlappig accused Cairo International Airport of being “actively hostile and rude” in a scathing review on his site, One Mile at a Time. In his detailed critique, Schlappig lamented the airport's disorganization, poor food options, and an overall “chaotic” atmosphere. He even provocatively compared it unfavorably to Addis Ababa's airport, a sensitive comparison given Egypt's ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over Nile water resources.

Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry responded strongly, disputing Schlappig's claims by releasing security footage and threatening legal repercussions. The Ministry also questioned whether it was reasonable for a traveler to expect to visit two lounges before a single flight, suggesting a disconnect between traveler expectations and actual experiences at the airport.

This public spat comes at a critical time for Egypt's tourism sector, which employs approximately one in every twelve workers in the country. The government has initiated an ambitious agenda to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2028, launching various infrastructure projects such as new luxury hotels and enticing refurbishments of historic landmarks. Notably, the new Grand Egyptian Museum is set to attract significant attention, aligning with efforts to revitalize tourism in the country.

Schlappig's post and the subsequent government backlash underscore the fragility of Egypt's tourism aspirations in the face of growing global competition and persistent economic challenges. As the government strives to enhance its global image and visitor experience, it faces the inevitable scrutiny of modern travel influencers who wield significant sway over public perception.