Once completed, the walls were lovingly decorated with intricate reliefs and brilliant colour. The 1997 tragedy has resulted in increased security, but it's unobtrusive. There is a cursory bag check and a walk through a metal detector. At the entrance to the Valley of the Kings, I noticed an armoured car. However, the real threat to tourism is not random terrorist attacks.
Tourists have more to fear from the way they are treated by the industry itself.
Tourism is Egypt's most lucrative economic activity. It far surpasses the Suez Canal in revenue. We harass, hassle and hustle our clients. Instead of viewing tourists as valued guests, we look upon them as walking wallets. Enter a tourist into any major site and vendors clamour for attention.