E-learning as an alternative strategy for tourism higher education in Egypt

"[E-learning] is part of the biggest change in the way our species conducts learning since the invention of the chalkboard or perhaps the alphabet. The development of computers and electronic communications has removed barriers of space and time. We can obtain and deliver knowledge anytime anywhere" [1: 6]. Egypt was relatively far from applying such educational system due to several reasons, mostly technical. However, over the last few years, the need for establishing a robust distance education system in Egypt has dramatically grown due to an escalating demand for more flexible educational options. It was then 2008 when a milestone change occurred, as the Egyptian government considered going heavily for e-learning by launching the Egyptian Education Initiative aiming to reform the education system through the use of Information and Communication Technology. This research aims first to shed light on the status of tourism e-learning in Egypt now; second, to clarify the potential advantages and disadvantages of applying tourism e-learning; and therefore, to explore the suitability of using e-learning as an alternative method for delivering tourism higher education. This will ultimately help decision makers understand significant issues such as the obstacles of applying e-leaming as well as any long-term drawbacks.