The Impact of Tourism on Ethnic Attitudes: The Israeli Egyptian Case

This study evaluated the role of tourism as an agent of change between two countries that have been traditionally unfriendly or hostile to each other, namely Israel and Egypt. A sample of 82 Jewish-Israeli tourists who traveled to Egypt for the first time was asked to complete a structured questionnaire that measured attitudes toward Egyptian people, their political beliefs, and their institutions. Each tourist was asked to complete the question naire before leaving for Egypt (pre-test) and after returning home (post-test). A control group of Israeli citizens who did notgo to Egypt was also asked to complete the question naire twice. The results showed that for most attitudes the touristic experience did not change the attitudes and opinions of Israelis towards Egypt and the Egyptian people. It is suggested thatfor this to occur certain conditions must be met, the most important being a balanced touristic experience that would emphasize all aspects ofthe host society as well as ! the opportunity to come in close and intimate contact with the destination\u27s residents