Tourists Avoid Pyramids in Egypt

April 4, 2011


Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. chaos (n.) [key-os] – the lack of order or peace
Example: The government must control the chaos to bring back peace.

2. serious blow (idiom) [seer-ee-uhs] [bloh] – a dangerous or severe damage
Example: The soldiers made a serious blow on the enemy’s camp.

3. incur (v.) [in-kur] – to bring to oneself something that is usually unpleasant or undesirable
Example: She incurred a failing grade because of her laziness.

4. underemployed (adj.) [uhn-der-em-ploid] – working for a job that does not fit one’s skills
Example: Many educated people are underemployed because of the poor economy.


Article
Read the text below.

Fear of the chaos that erupted in Egypt two months ago has turned tourists away from visiting its famous pyramids.

Last January 25, Egyptians staged the revolution in protest against their president, Hosni Mubarak. More than 210,000 tourists have fled from the country during the last week of January until early February since the revolution happened.


The loss of tourists caused a serious blow on the country’s economy which depends highly on tourism. More than half of the total $1.7 billion loss incurred during the revolution came from the drop in the number of tourists.

As a result, almost two million Egyptians lost their jobs. Many of them are now either unemployed or underemployed.

Instead of the usual trip to the pyramids, the few remaining tourists in Egypt choose to see the historical Tharir Square where the revolution took place. Vendors grab this opportunity to sell some souvenirs and earn a little money.

Many of the Egyptians who feel a new sense of pride for their country visit their own tourist spots. However, unlike foreigners, they do not have enough money to support the businesses in these areas.

In the hope to attract tourists, some young Egyptians dress up like Pharaohs by the pyramids and Nile River. They want to encourage foreigners to visit the pyramids by assuring them that their country remains to be a safe place.


Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         How does tourism help a country’s economy?
·         What should the government do to ensure that tourism is healthy?

Discussion B

·         What jobs are associated with tourism?
·         Do you think a job related to tourism is a good one? Why or why not?

April 4, 2011