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Posted by *Albino_Eskimo* (Member # 12077) on :
 
Therapeutic tourism grows in Egypt

[10/03/2006 - 12:30]
Randa Achmawi*


The Arab country is renowned for its historic monuments but has also been greatly sought by people after natural treatment in thermal springs, using medicinal plants and black mud. The number or visitors seeking clinics and other institutions of the kind already represents 10% of the total.

Cairo - Tourism for therapeutic reasons is growing in Egypt. The number of people who travel to the country with this purpose in mind already represents almost 10% of the total. According to information supplied by the Egyptian ministry of Tourism, the country received 8.6 million visitors in 2005 and 6.3 million between January and August this year.

"Egypt is currently one of the best known destinations and is also recognized for its natural virtues, being capable of offering treatment for various maladies. The sector is developed by professionals and under the supervision of great specialists," stated Magdi Selim, the director of the centre for information at the Egyptian organization responsible for promotion of tourism.

Nowadays this kind of activity is becoming a fad among the upper classes in Egypt, but it is now generating interest among foreigners. For over 14 years, people seeking treatment and cures have been travelling to Egypt from countries like Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, England, Italy and various countries in Eastern Europe.

"This all started by chance in the 1970s. People talk about the case of a Swedish tourist who had serious psoriasis (a disease characterized by red areas covered by dry scales). Like many other Europeans, he came to Egypt after recreation tourism, seeking the sun and mild climate in the winter. But on bathing in the Red Sea a few times, he noticed that his skin problem was improving," stated Amal Leheta, owner of the prestigious Mena Ville, in Safaga, an establishment specialized in therapeutic activities. "This way Safaga's reputation grew little by little in Sweden and spread throughout Europe," he added.

"Nowadays, foreign tourists also come to Egypt after treatment for their maladies, which include rheumatic arthritis, asthmatic bronchitis, sinusitis and even tuberculosis," stated Magdi Selim. "The services offered may be researched through the International Centre for Therapeutic Tourism, called Tour Cure," he added.

But treatment for more serious maladies is not the area exclusively sought by foreigners travelling to Egypt. There are also clinics specialized in slimming and aesthetics all around the country. "The country has over 28 privileged locations due to their therapeutic characteristics, being recognized by their natural resources and dry and healthy climate. Apart from that, there are in Egypt 1,356 thermal springs and various sites where there is the famous black mud," stated Amal Leheta.

The oldest therapeutic destination is Helwan Centre, for the treatment of rheumatism, built in 1899 and redone in 1955. "The institution currently has 38 rooms that are fully equipped," stated Selim. The Helwan suburb is just 30 kilometres north of Cairo, on the banks of the Nile.

Oases

Other options are the Siwa, Bahreia, Al Dakla and Al Kharga Oases, or the white desert region of Farafra. These paradisiacal sites are also greatly sought by tourists all around the world after thermal springs recognized for their healing qualities. "My mother suffered of arthritis and rheumatism for many years, but when we took her to be treated in Siwa, her problems simply vanished," explained Lisa Lindt, a Swedish tourist who has travelled to Egypt regularly for over 8 years.

At Bahreia Oasis alone, for example, over 400 hot and cold springs may be found, and used in the treatment of various skin diseases. "The efficiency has already been proved in various studies executed at Egyptian and European universities," stated Selim. "At these oases, most tourists go mainly to the renowned Halfa spring, where the temperature of the water varies between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius," he added.

The region of Bahreia is also renowned for its medicinal plants and herbs used in the treatment of pain, mainly in the stomach. The herbs may also be used in the treatment of rheumatism. Apart from that, palm sugar found at this oasis is frequently used by diabetic patients.

Finally, apart from the springs and medicinal plants, the black mud of Safaga is also greatly sought. "Various studies show that it counts on three kinds of radioactive minerals: uranium, thorium and potassium. They contribute to the cure of various skin and joint maladies and have positive effects in the treatment of hypertension and gall bladder deficiency," finished off Selim.

*Translated by Mark Ament

http://www.anba.com.br/ingles/noticia.php?id=12495
 
Posted by treesloth (Member # 12025) on :
 
Has anyone been to the hot springs in Egypt? I've been to ones in the U.S., but wonder what the clothing protocol would be in Egypt...
 
Posted by satanmademedoit (Member # 11766) on :
 
..yeah..apparently these springs cure all kinds.
shorts and t-shirt is what is normally worn.
contact this guy re any more info
www.redfoxsafari.co.uk
 
Posted by *Albino_Eskimo* (Member # 12077) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by treesloth:
Has anyone been to the hot springs in Egypt? I've been to ones in the U.S., but wonder what the clothing protocol would be in Egypt...

Siwa Oasis and other are surrounded by Bedion and some of the most conservative communities of Egypt.

A full gallabiya would be warrented, a light veil would also help.

And yes there are alot of friction between tourists and locals at these hot springs. Somehow if a upper-class Egyptian showed up in shorts and a tank top it would be accepted much more readily than a foreigner.

[Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by Chinderella Ideal Stnrd Shower head (Member # 11953) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by *Albino_Eskimo*:
quote:
Originally posted by treesloth:
Has anyone been to the hot springs in Egypt? I've been to ones in the U.S., but wonder what the clothing protocol would be in Egypt...

Siwa Oasis and other are surrounded by Bedion and some of the most conservative communities of Egypt.

A full gallabiya would be warrented, a light veil would also help.

And yes there are alot of friction between tourists and locals at these hot springs. Somehow if a upper-class Egyptian showed up in shorts and a tank top it would be accepted much more readily than a foreigner.

[Roll Eyes]

Not again Albino pascha, claiming to be an Expert on Egypt [Razz]

Your just envious of those rich 5% of Egypt [Razz]

Go grab the shower head [Razz]
 
Posted by Everyone's_a_Pascha (Member # 12077) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Chinderella Ideal Stnrd Shower head:
quote:
Originally posted by *Albino_Eskimo*:
quote:
Originally posted by treesloth:
Has anyone been to the hot springs in Egypt? I've been to ones in the U.S., but wonder what the clothing protocol would be in Egypt...

Siwa Oasis and other are surrounded by Bedion and some of the most conservative communities of Egypt.

A full gallabiya would be warrented, a light veil would also help.

And yes there are alot of friction between tourists and locals at these hot springs. Somehow if a upper-class Egyptian showed up in shorts and a tank top it would be accepted much more readily than a foreigner.

[Roll Eyes]

Not again Albino pascha, claiming to be an Expert on Egypt [Razz]

Your just envious of those rich 5% of Egypt [Razz]

Go grab the shower head [Razz]

Why would I be envious? I grew up around the world's top 15%, not one Egyptian could be included in that group?

And lets put it this way, at least I have feeling down there and didn't bleed out on my first try.

Thats one very big thing I have over you! I have the nerves God gave me and didn't have them carved out for primative reasons [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Chinderella Ideal Stnrd Shower head (Member # 11953) on :
 
OMG, you are stupid Albino.... you are always generalizing

So you think I am circumsized like your husband's family?

Albino from the top 15 %... I'm always hot but the difference is.... i dont need to go around a
& shout it to prove it [Razz]

btw, I dont believe any of your lies because all what you say contradicts you previous posts [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by loborules (Member # 5457) on :
 
but can the springs cure the pain in my ass? ha ha ha
 
Posted by satanmademedoit (Member # 11766) on :
 
..in the Bahariya oasis there is none of this friction and shorts and t-shirt are fine.
If going to Siwa I am informed none either but if you are concerned book one of the Bedouins to accompany you.
It is respectful to not bathe until the locals are finished.
We have found them extremely friendly and they love to show you how they live.
 


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