Another major shift in site management is the restriction of access for private vehicles and large tour buses. Instead, electric vehicles now transport visitors along designated routes, significantly cutting down on pollution, noise, and physical wear on the environment. This system proposes a more efficient and respectful form of internal mobility, though some visitors have raised concerns about limited vehicle availability and the intense heat encountered along walking paths. Authorities have responded by noting that about 45 electric vehicles are currently operating with five-minute intervals between departures.
The transformation also includes the construction of a modern visitor center featuring restaurants, quality retail outlets, adapted restrooms, and designated rest areas. Interpretive trails with informative signage have been installed to enhance the experience without compromising the integrity of the site. Tickets will also be made available for purchase online to prevent price gouging and fraud, long-standing issues that have damaged the site’s credibility as a tourist destination.
Another core component of the plan is the gradual phasing out of animal-powered tourist rides on camels, donkeys, and horses—practices heavily criticized by organizations such as PETA. Documented evidence of abuse, including beatings, extreme fatigue, and poor nutrition, has led to measures replacing animal-drawn transport with electric vans and buses. This shift represents a decisive move toward a more ethical tourism model. Backed by statements from animal rights advocates, the government defends its decision with a clear message: “The well-being of the public and the preservation of this treasure are far more important than the interests of 2,000 individuals.”
With an estimated cost of €45 million (around $51 million), the reorganization plan also includes restoration of smaller tombs and improvement of the surrounding archaeological landscape. The goal is to balance mass tourism—which brought in close to 15.7 million visitors in 2024—with the urgent need to preserve the authenticity and historical value of the necropolis. In a country where tourism accounts for roughly 12% of GDP, revitalizing Giza—particularly in the lead-up to the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on July 6, 2025—is a strategic move to recapture and surpass pre-crisis visitor levels.
On an international level, this reimagining positions Egypt at the forefront of sustainable cultural tourism. The modernization of Giza will strengthen the country’s reputation by offering a more organized, safe, and globally competitive visitor experience, raising tourist satisfaction without sacrificing the site's magnificence. However, experts and archaeologists warn of the risk of “Disneyfication”—excessive commercialization that could undermine the sacred aura and historical reverence of the pyramids. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between logistical efficiency and heritage preservation.
The implementation of these changes places Giza at a crossroads between tradition and modernity. If Egypt succeeds in preserving the site’s integrity while improving the overall visitor experience, the pyramids will continue to stand as a timeless wonder—guiding a new era of tourism marked by responsibility, education, and respect for heritage. Ultimately, Giza’s renewal could become a model for other countries with ancient treasures to follow.
