PHOTO TOURISM IN EGYPT; A TARGET OR A TOOL? ( CASE STUDY: THE HANGING CHURCH-THE CHURCH OF ABU SERGA – THE CHURCH OF SAINT BARBARA )

Kitat, Sara; El-MANHALY, Salma Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ijmsac.2023.193320.1019

PHOTO TOURISM IN EGYPT; A TARGET OR A TOOL? ( CASE STUDY: THE HANGING CHURCH-THE CHURCH OF ABU SERGA – THE CHURCH OF SAINT BARBARA )

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor in the Tourist Guiding Department - Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Alexandria University.

² Lecturer in the Tourism Studies Department - Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Alexandria University.

10.21608/ijmsac.2023.193320.1019

Abstract

Originality: Admittedly, photography has become a crucial factor in the social presence of tourism. Regarding theoretical perspectives, photography is regarded an enhanced representation of reality, or in other words, a constituting factor in the precepting of reality. Thus, studying the interrelation between tourism and photography became mandatory and is analyzed by many scholars. However, recent studies did not trace the importance of taking photographs while travelling as a method to enhance the Coptic region attractions in Egypt.
Purpose: This research aims to provide a better understanding of the effectiveness of photography in the field of tourism and its role in enhancing the Coptic region attractions in Egypt, particularly the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga, and the Church of Saint Barbara in Old Cairo. Furthermore, the research examines both the negative effects and the positive effects of photography on the sites in question.
Design: To collect the required data a self-administered online survey was designed and used.
Methodology: The sampling frame included Egyptian tour guides who frequently visited the churches of Old Cairo. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the research variables and was directed to various tour guides who are different in their gender, age, experience and education.
Approach: A quantitative approach was used to answer the study questions; SPSS V. 26 was used for data processing.
Findings: The study results answered the study questions, showing that photography experience while travelling had an obvious effect in enhancing the Egyptian Coptic region attractions.

Keywords