ABSTRACT
Balneotherapy has been considered one of the effective ways of curing ailments, particularly, skin and bones diseases. It is well known among Bedouin people in Egypt that Oyoun Moussa area (springs of Moses) has a number of characteristics which are useful in curing some disease (e.g. skin and bones). However, this area is not appropriately developed and promoted to attract tourists from different parts of the world. This study aims at exploring the area of Oyoun Moussa and looking at the chances of the area being suitable for balneotherapy. Analysis of the wells’ water in the area has been done by researchers in the Chemistry department, Science School in Suez Canal University, to look at the special elements of the water. Additionally, three field visits were conducted to record personal observation about the main obstacles of tourism development in the area. An informal interview with visitors to the area was necessary to investigate reasons behind their visits to this undeveloped area with zero facilities. Results revealed that visitors to Oyoun Moussa are mainly Jewish who know about the area from their religious background and the water analysis showed that Oyoun Moussa has a strong potential of being a balneotherapy destination. The study recommends raising a local and international awareness of the importance of the area and putting the planning and developing of the area as the top priorities of the Egyptian tourism industry.
