Using the Traditional handicrafts in Applying Sustainability in Hotels, The case of Siwa Oasis

Abstract

Egypt is characterized by the multiplicity of traditional handicrafts, depending on the region and the diversity of history. Traditional handicrafts are one of the factors that distinguish Egyptian tourism and gives its’ hotels a different image. There is a growing interest from the different parties in the tourism and hospitality industry to search in ways that differentiate their services from other competitors. The use of traditional crafts would enhance the customers' sense of the authenticity of the place and prompt them to search more about the history of these crafts and knowing more about it and enhance the relationship between hotel and guests with a distinctive brand. This study describes the effect of using different kinds of Egyptian traditional handicrafts as Salt, Pottery, and Kilim in Siwan hotels to secure sustainable rates of demand. To achieve the aim of the study, a self-administrated questionnaire was developed and addressed to hotels’ guests, 285 forms were statistical analysis. Also, twenty-two Semi- Structured interviewees were conducted with tourism and hospitality experts. The findings of the study reveal that using these crafts in hotels could stimulate consumers' purchasing behavior. Egyptian Tourism Authority should adopt the concept of heritage hospitality and art marketing concept by enhancing marketing efforts through international exhibitions and its official websites. Hotels owners should adopt using of handcrafts to differentiate their decorations, and brand it. Traditional handicrafts men are to differentiate their products to include all amenities as a tool of publicity and marketing the brand name with the Egyptian identity.