Egyptian Government Responds Harshly to Travel Blogger's Critical Review of Cairo Airport

The Egyptian government's strong reaction to travel blogger Ben Schlappig's unfavorable review of Cairo Airport highlights the country's delicate relationship with criticism, especially as it aims to boost tourism amidst ongoing economic challenges.

The exchange between Egyptian authorities and travel blogger Ben Schlappig exemplifies the increasingly contentious nature of public criticism in the country. Schlappig, in a sharp critique on his widely followed blog, One Mile at a Time, described Cairo's airport experience as disorganized and unpleasant, pointing out issues such as unfriendly staff and inadequate dining options. He concluded by comparing Cairo's airport unfavorably with Ethiopia's, further aggravating Egyptian officials, already sensitive due to ongoing disputes between the two nations.

In response, Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry issued an extensive 1,100-word rebuttal, relying on security footage to dispute Schlappig's claims and insisting that the blogger's negative portrayal was exaggerated. They questioned the logic behind a passenger needing to visit multiple airport lounges before boarding a single flight and threatened legal action against Schlappig for the purported defamation of Egypt's tourism industry.

This clash highlights Egypt's precarious position as it endeavors to expand tourism—a sector crucial to its economy—aiming for a target of 30 million visitors annually by 2028. With tourism being a lifeline for many Egyptians, the government's pride is intricately tied to the perception of its hospitality services. As Egypt invests in new luxury hotels and improvements to historical sites, the strong backlash against criticism underscores the monumental challenges ahead in reshaping its global image.