The Impacts Of GATS On Tourism Development: A Case Study Of Egypt.pdf

This thesis examines Egypt's trade policies and their implications for tourism development, with a focus on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It is structured into two main parts: Chapters 8 and 9.

Chapter 8: Egypt - Trade Policies

- Overview: Discusses the evolution of Egypt's trade, highlighting merchandise and services trade, constraints, and direction.
- Merchandise Trade: Analyzes composition, constraints (e.g., tariffs, non-tariff barriers), and trade directions.
- Trade in Services: Explores the liberalization of service sectors relevant to tourism.
- Trade and Investment Regime: Details policy formulation, key laws, and objectives since 1996.
- International Relations: Covers Egypt's role in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional/bilateral trade agreements.
- Foreign Investment Regime: Summarizes regulations and incentives.

Chapter 9: Egypt - GATS and Tourism

- International and Regional Competitive Position: Evaluates Egypt's tourism appeal globally and regionally.
- Tourism Development History: Traces growth (1950-2000), diversification, and recent trends post-Luxor incident.
- Tourist Market Analysis: Identifies top markets, purpose of visits, spending patterns, and seasonality.
- Economic Impact: Examines tourism's role in Egypt's economy, focusing on sustainability, employment, tax revenues, and data limitations.
- Tourism Product: Details attractions, transport (including aviation policies), accommodation, and services like travel agencies and guide services.
- Institutional Setting: Overviews the tourism sector's regulatory environment and policy frameworks.
- GATS Implications: Assesses GATS commitments, sub-sectoral coverage, and horizontal/specific limitations for Egypt's tourism industry.

The thesis concludes with a discussion on how GATS can drive forward tourism development in Egypt, despite existing constraints.