I assume Erodotus was the first famous tourist in Egypt and then lots of people visited it for many different reasons.
It was an entertaining, informative, well researched read. I would have preferred some more about the ancient times.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

In this interesting book on the history of tourism in Egypt, readers travel to this north African historical location and explore the significance of tourism to the Egyptian government over millennia. Beginning in the modern era of tourism in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the book works backwards to end with an exploration of tourism during antiquity, the Roman Empire, and ancient Greece. Focusing on the positive and negative aspects of tourism in regards to local economies, historical sites, and social hierarchies, Booth explores the history of tourism in a country with a long and incredible history. A unique perspective on historic sites and the interpretation of various locations and cultural symbols, Booth explores outsiders’ perception of Egyptian culture and the objects and artifacts which continue to fascinate visitors. Great details and quotes from historical documents supplement Booth’s larger history and historical context which she builds up to explain the significance of various sites and cultural concepts and why people, for thousands of years, have found this country and its history so incredibly fascinating. An interesting subject and a more interesting organization of this book make Booth’s history of Egyptian tourism an interesting and enjoyable read for travelers and historians alike.

Egypt's cultural tourism trade has fluctuated since the 19th century, increasing in popularity alongside the rise of Egyptology as an academic and amateur pursuit.In 3150 BC,King Menes unifies Egypt, in the process setting in motion 3,000 years of dynastic succession and cultural prosperity.In c.590 BC–332 BC,Greek Troops arrive and Alexander the Great conquers Persian Egypt.After Cleopatra's death in 30BC,the Romans conquer Egypt.From 1710 AD- 1768 AD,French Jesuit priest and cartographer Claude Sicard, explores the Nile Valley extensively, becoming the first European to confirm that Karnak and Luxor were in fact the ancient city of Thebes. And in 1768 AD, Scottish explorer James Bruce arrives in Egypt for the first time and over the next few years explores far and wide, making the obligatory stop at the Valley of the Kings before becoming the first European to discover the origins of the Blue Nile in Egypt and Sudan.In 1798AD,Napoleon and his 38,000-strong Armée d’Orient arrive in Alexandria with nearly 200 scholars, botanists, geologists, archaeologists and painters in tow. The army defeat the Mamluks but withdraw after his fleet is destroyed at the battle of the Nile by Horatio Nelson.The subsequent publication of the encyclopedic Description de l’Égypte (1809-29) culminates in Egyptomania.Egypt starts attracting tourists, tomb raiders and eccentrics such as Giovanni Battista Belzoni.PM Disraeli buys Britain a controlling stake in the new Suez Canal while Thomas Cook & Sons negotiate a monopoly on tourist-toting steamer services along the Nile with the Khedive, Egypt’s Ottoman ruler,bolstering tourists and businesses.In the 20th century,Howard Carter’s Carnarvon-funded expedition finally finds Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.Enclave tourism takes place in a space that is segregated from the community outside.It implies a conscious decision to segregate tourists from the general population.Given Egypt's Middle Eastern and African status, and its location in the midst of a regional conflict zone,there were terrorist attacks which combined with COVID negatively impacted Egypt's tourist sector for a time.

Dnf'ed at page 51

I wish the order was reversed, I was mostly interested in the ancient tourism. However the earlier chapters are just not interesting to me.

First of all, Thank You, Netgalley for the ARC granted, I am a huge Egypt trip enthusiast (it's one of my top 5 trips to do!) so, when I find books that shows a little more about egyptian culture, I tend to appreciate and enjoy so much the reading. And that's exactly what happened with this one. Well done to the author and editor for the project.

A fascinating look at how people throughout history have all been intrigued by Egypt's history and myths. Egyptomania is as old as the pyramids themselves.

Charlotte Booth, Tourism in Egypt Through the Ages, A Historical Guide, Pen & Sword, Pen & Sword History, March 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Charlotte Booth’s Tourism in Egypt Through the Ages, A Historical guide, is an absolute joy to read. It is a guide, a history, a story of tourism, a narrative about those who have spent their time travelling in Egypt, and amongst these most engaging aspects, those who have used Egypt as the location for their fiction. Booth’s approach is not only accessible as the narrative moves along seamlessly, combining humour, perspicacity and attention to detail, but is clearly based on the most meticulous of wide-ranging research.

I particularly like Booth’s writing style. As is usual with this publisher, the writing is very accessible. However, Booth adds to this with a wonderful sense of humour and clear-eyed way at looking at important issues. She does not lecture, but we are made aware of all the complexities associated with travelling in areas that must be cared for, but which are a ‘must do’ for the tourist (or traveller). Speaking of whether one purports to be a tourist or a traveller, Booth is marvellous on this issue! By bringing her perceptiveness to complexities, while maintaining a friendly style Booth encourages thinking as well as reading. Stories unfold, information is gathered, history is learned – and sadly the book is finished.

There are notes for each chapter, an index and an extensive bibliography. Photos complete this book, which I found to be both the academic’s and traveller’s dream guide.

Thank you Netgalley and Pen & Sword for this ARC.

I love travelling and learning about different cultures, countries, … this book is great if you want to learn about Egypt and their tourism. It was very interesting and the information was very informative, interesting and easy to read. I learned so much about this topic now! Can we also talk about the cover? It’s so pretty! My mother loves Egypt and I think that I will buy this book for her birthday. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about Egypt and their tourism.