The impact of the Ras Al-Hekma project on tourism investment in the City of El Alamein

The North Coast is A distinctive tourist destination that has not yet reached its full tourism potential compared to other regions within Egypt. The western North Coast can be considered an open-air museum of Egyptian civilization throughout its ages, as it contains remains dating back to ancient Egypt, although they are few. However, archaeological sites dating back to the Greco-Roman era are numerous and evident, in addition to Coptic remains. Moreover, it is free from congestion, overcrowding, and security issues, while the natural environment remains pristine, facilitating tourism promotion. Additionally, it contains numerous tangible and intangible heritage sites, providing a competitive environment for tourism projects that attract investments that translate into added value for the Ras El Hekma and New Alamein City regions. This research aims to identify the geographical characteristics of the Ras El Hekma region and their impact on tourism activity on the North Coast, as well as determining the extent to which tourist, recreational, and heritage sites in the Ras El Hekma region impact the economic activity in the region and its neighboring areas. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the impact of the development project in the Ras El Hekma region on tourism and economic activity in the New Alamein City, and to increase the return on investment rates. The research relied on the descriptive-analytical approach, and the content analysis strategy for the state's strategy in developing the Ras El Hekma region, as well as conducting interviews with relevant parties. The research concluded the need for the state to optimally utilize its owned assets to enhance its resources and develop its revenues, and the Ras El Hekma project is considered a form of the state's utilization of its idle assets. Moreover, the study results emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, which enhances the competitiveness of the Egyptian tourism destination. The study results also found that regional leadership in the tourism industry is achieved through a number of factors, including developing infrastructure, setting an innovative industrial strategy, investing in human capital, in addition to signing strategic partnerships with different economies. Additionally, the Ras El Hekma project contributes to tourism integration with the New Alamein City, increasing the attractiveness of the North Coast as a single tourist destination. The project also contributes to developing the shared infrastructure between the two regions, facilitating movement between them and attracting more investments. The integration between the two regions leads to an increase in tourist traffic to both, contributing to the revitalization of the economy in the entire region. Moreover, the project provides a diverse range of tourism products, meeting the needs of various segments of tourists.