An examination of World Heritage Sites in managing crises over time: lessons learnt from Egyptian case studies

Abstract

Over the past three decades, Egypt’s World Heritage Sites (WHSs) have faced persistent challenges arising from political instability, terrorism, and socio-economic crises. This study critically examines and seeks to understand WHSs as change leaders in how they operate and are managed under multiple-crises environments, with a focus on Giza and Luxor as comparative case regions. The research objectives were fourfold: to critically evaluate the performance of the Egyptian tourism industry in light of crisis impacts over time; to ascertain the role of WHSs as leaders of cultural heritage provision through a comparative study of point (the Pyramids of Giza), linear(the Nile-related sites), and areal (the Theban Necropolis in Luxor) attractions; to examine stakeholder engagement in WHSs management across both regions, highlighting the paradox between tourism development interests and conservation priorities while assessing crisis-driven lesson-learning; and to formulate a conceptual framework that can act as a proactive management tool for cultural heritage under crises.

Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to collect in-depth insights. Forty-five participants, representing a wide range of stakeholders, were interviewed and categorized into three groups: public sector managerial level decision-makers, private sector service providers and policy executors, and tourism micro-entrepreneurs with direct operational experience.

The findings reveal that while WHSs in Egypt have largely relied on reactive strategies, resilience and sustainability could be better achieved through inclusive crisis management, where diverse stakeholders are engaged in planning and implementation. Stakeholder engagement not only strengthens community development and local ownership but also enhances adaptability in managing the dual challenge of heritage conservation and tourism use.

This research contributes to the broader discourse on WHSs, crises, and crisis management by providing a robust conceptual framework that integrates stakeholder engagement with long-term, context-sensitive strategies. The framework offers practical guidance for fostering sustainable heritage management and resilience in Egypt and beyond.

Date of Award	Apr 2026
Original language	English
Supervisor	Stephen Boyd (Supervisor) & Peter Bolan (Supervisor)