Egypt changes course and does so with a clear choice: stop shows with animals inside hotels, resorts and tourist villages. The directive, introduced by the Egyptian Chamber of Tourist Facilities and Catering, leaves no room for interpretation: no animal, neither domestic nor wild, can any longer be used to entertain visitors. This is an immediate measure, without transition periods. A hard line that aims to redefine the tourist experience in the country, marking a break with practices that have been widespread for years.
Safety first of all
At the basis of the decision there is a central theme: the safety of tourists and staff. The authorities have highlighted how the use of animals in entertainment contexts involves risks that are difficult to control, especially in crowded environments not designed for the management of species, sometimes even wild ones. The circular is clear: the absolute priority is to protect people’s safety. Incidents of accidents, amplified by visibility on social media, have contributed to accelerating a now inevitable choice.
A step towards international standards
The ban is not just about immediate safety. It is part of a broader strategy: to modernize Egypt’s tourism offering and align it with global standards. The objective is to strengthen the international credibility of the country, increasingly attentive to the quality of services and the responsible management of accommodation facilities. In recent years some large hotel chains had already anticipated this trend, gradually eliminating activities with animals. Now the decision becomes a system, involving the entire sector.
Sanctions for those who do not respect the rules
The message is accompanied by a rigorous control system. Facilities that do not comply will be subject to immediate legal and administrative sanctions. Circular no. 1 of 2026 requires total compliance with the new rules, forming part of a broader control and regulation plan for the tourism sector.
Towards a new model of tourism
This decision also represents a profound cultural change. For years, tourist entertainment has relied on the presence of animals as an element of attraction. Today, however, the way is paving the way for more ethical, sustainable and safe forms of entertainment. The result? A tourism that focuses less on the spectacular effect and more on the quality of the experience, capable of enhancing culture, landscapes and creativity without putting either people or animals at risk.
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