The United States’ government — through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) — and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities launched the Esna Tourism Promotion Campaign in Luxor on Wednesday.
Esna is a city in Luxor governorate that houses various touristic sites, including ancient Egyptian temples and a Coptic Orthodox monastery.
The campaign is part of an $8.6m US government investment that restored the city’s historic landmarks and revitalised its tourism infrastructure. It will also showcase Esna as a prime tourist destination to tour operators, investors, and the public.
During the inauguration, USAID Mission Director Leslie Reed stated that “the US has contributed more than $100m (EGP 1.57bn) to preserve dozens of cultural heritage sites throughout Egypt.”
“Last year, we inaugurated the renovated Wakalet Al-Geddawy in Esna; and today, I am very excited to launch the Esna Tourism Promotion Campaign. This campaign will put Esna back on the tourism map and engage the private sector to explore investment opportunities and partnerships.”
In the coming months, the campaign will hold exhibitions, photography competitions, and folkloric events to highlight Esna’s attractions, its readiness to host expanded tourism, and opportunities for potential further investment.
USAID’s work in Esna is revitalising cultural tourism, creating jobs, and increasing public and private investment, and is in partnership with the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities and International Cooperation, Luxor Governorate, and local partners, including Takween Integrated Community Development.
Since 1978, the American people have invested over $30bn (EGP 471bn) to support Egypt’s economic development.
