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20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

Written by Jess Lee Updated Oct 16, 2023

Home of the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a destination full of dazzling temples and tombs that wow all who visit. It's not all historic treasures and tourist attractions, though. With vast tracts of desert for 4WD adventures, the Red Sea's world-class coral reefs and wrecks for divers, and cruising on the famed Nile River, there are plenty of things to do in Egypt for all types of travelers.

Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor.

Cairo is the megalopolis that can't be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside.

With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt.

1. Pyramids of Giza

2. luxor's temples & tombs, 3. cruising the nile, 5. abu simbel, 6. diving the red sea, 7. explore historic cairo, 8. south sinai's beach life, 10. egyptian museum, 11. white desert, 12. alexandria, 13. abydos temple, 14. siwa oasis, 15. st. catherine's monastery, 16. red sea beaches, 17. coptic cairo, 18. wadi al-hitan, 19. temple of hathor, 20. monastery of st. anthony.

The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing.

Today, sitting on the desert edge of Cairo's sprawl, these megalithic memorials to dead pharaohs are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were and an undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip.

To beat the crowds , get here around 7:30am and enter through the main Pyramid of Khufu site entrance (rather than the Sphinx entrance). This means you can have finished exploring the interior tunnels and burial chambers of the Pyramid of Khufu by the time the tour buses start pulling in at 8:15am.

Most visitors limit their site visit to the three pyramids and the Sphinx, but there is plenty more to see on the Giza Plateau. If you can, reserve time to explore the funerary complexes of the eastern cemetery (on the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu). The tombs of 6th dynasty high officials Qar and Idu and the tomb of Meresankh III (who was one of Pharaoh Khafre's wives) are all open to the public.

• Read More: Pyramids of Giza: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Famed for the Valley of the Kings , Karnak Temple , and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions.

This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit.

Luxor's east bank is home to the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. The west bank's lush farmland and barren cliffs are where the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions sit, with so many tomb and temple sights that it has been called the biggest open-air museum in the world.

Spend a few days here exploring the colorful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples, and you'll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.

The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt's most visited sites but, if you are willing to get up extra early, you can beat the crowds . All of Luxor's archaeological sites open at 6am, but hardly any visitors (and no large tour operators) take advantage of this.

Kick off your sightseeing with a 6am start at the Valley of the Kings, and you'll get to experience the interiors of Luxor's famed New Kingdom tombs with hardly anyone else (except the handful of other wily early risers) there.

Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip.

Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas.

The two famous sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus , where all the big cruise boats stop.

If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience, though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary.

The vast amount of cruise boat itineraries depart from either Luxor or Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan.

Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days and soak up the chilled-out atmosphere.

Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank. Afterwards, relax in one of the riverboat restaurants while watching the lateen-sailed feluccas drift past.

Make sure to jump aboard a felucca at sunset to sail around Aswan's islands. This is by far, Aswan's most popular activity and the most relaxing way to take in the local sights.

There are plenty of historic sites here and numerous temples nearby, including Philae Temple on its island, but one of Aswan's most popular things to do is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by.

Even in a country festooned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. This is Ramses II's great temple, adorned with colossal statuary standing guard outside, and with an interior sumptuously decorated with wall paintings.

Justly famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original setting to save it from disappearing under the rising water of the Aswan Dam.

Today, exploring Abu Simbel is just as much about admiring the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is about gaping in wonder at Ramses II's awe-inspiring building works, itself.

Most people arrive in Abu Simbel on organized day trips from Aswan, which all have an early morning start to get to the temple complex at 8am or 9am.

After 11am, nearly everyone has cleared out and headed back to Aswan. To wander through Ramses II's colossal monument without the crowds, overnight in Abu Simbel village itself and visit the temples after midday.

Below the Red Sea's surface is another world as fascinating as the temples and tombs on land.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs.

For divers, the most famous town to base yourself in is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, closest to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

To dive the sites of the Straits of Gubal head to Hurghada or El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, while advanced divers should check out the resort of Marsa Alam, the nearest base for diving Egypt's "deep south" dive sites.

As well as fish life and coral, the Red Sea is a major wreck-diving destination. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship that was on its way to resupply Allied troops when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941.

Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself.

Dive boat trips to the wreck are organized from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

The Red Sea offers year-round diving but for the calmest sea conditions and best underwater visibility, July and August are the best months . This is high summer in Egypt though with its accompanying sweltering on-land temperatures. If your Egypt trip doesn't solely revolve around diving, it's still best to avoid these months.

Read More: Diving in the Red Sea: Best Dive Sites

The atmospheric, narrow lanes of the capital's Historic Cairo district are crammed full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and monuments dating from the Fatimid through to the Mameluke eras.

This is where you'll find the labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where coppersmiths and artisans still have their tiny workshops, and stalls are laden with ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume.

Surrounding the market is a muddle of roads, home to some of the most beautiful preserved architecture of the old Islamic empires.

There is a wealth of history here to explore. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque , and make sure to climb up to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas across the district.

Mornings are the best time to visit this district as the narrow lanes are at their quietest. If you're planning to visit the area's mosques though, avoid visiting on Fridays (the Muslim holy day) . If you want to enter mosques as a tourist, dress conservatively (covering arms and legs) and bring along a scarf to throw over your head if you're female.

Keen shoppers should head to Khan el-Khalili in the evening: the shops here are all open until late and the souq is at its most vibrant after dark.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Easy Day Trips

Egypt's South Sinai region, on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a beach for every type of traveler.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a European-style resort town packed full of luxury hotels, international restaurants, and bags of entertainment options. A favorite with Europeans on winter-sun vacations, many of the resorts here cater to families on one- or two-week sun-and-sand breaks.

Dahab is a low-key beach town with a budget-traveler heart, which is just as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. It's particularly known for its cheap dive-package deals and for its lagoon beach area where windsurfing and kitesurfing are the top activity.

Up the coast, between the port town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that offer complete get-away-from-it-all respites from life and back-to-basics beach life.

Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. Day-tripping distance from Cairo , Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that was utilized during every era of Pharaonic rule.

It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape.

There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country.

Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit.

• Read More: Exploring Saqqara: A Visitor's Guide

A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's great museum collections . The faded pink mansion in downtown Cairo is home to a dazzling amount of exhibits.

The museum's exhibits cover the breadth of the Pharaonic era with highlights including its artifacts from pre-dynastic Egypt, the Old Kingdom galleries displaying the fine statuary from Egypt's period of pyramid builders, and the displays of glittering funerary goods unearthed from the country's most famous tomb finds.

Make sure to reserve enough time at the museum to fully view the galleries devoted to the grave goods of Yuya and Thuya and the royal tombs of Tanis (both upstairs).

Until Giza's much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens, the Egyptian Museum is also where you come to see a selection of the riches from Tutankhamen's Valley of the Kings tomb. When the GEM finally does open, these will be moved there (and the entire Tutankhamen collection will be displayed in full for the first time).

Everything else though in the Egyptian Museum's collection will be staying in place.

Egypt's kookiest natural wonder is White Desert National Park, out in the Western Desert, just south of Bahariya Oasis. Here, surreally shaped chalk pinnacles and huge boulders loom over the desert plateau, creating a scene that looks like icebergs have found themselves stranded amid a landscape of sand.

This highly scenic environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for 4WD desert trips and overnight camping , which are both easiest organized in Bahariya Oasis.

For desert fans and adventurers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural scenery.

Alexandria has a history that not many others can match.

Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of its life, this seafront city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can't be beaten.

Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past left to see, Alexandria's long seafront Corniche road leading to its fort (sitting on the site where its famous ancient lighthouse once sat) remains a favorite summer destination to capture cooling sea breezes for Egyptians and foreign visitors alike.

Underwater archaeological projects here have imbued Alexandria's museums with interesting exhibits. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary interpretation of Alexandria's famed ancient library, and the handful of historic sights in town include an atmospheric catacombs site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Alexandria

The Temple of Osiris in Abydos is one of Ancient Egypt's most fascinating artistic treasures.

The temple, begun by Seti I, sits amid a vast necropolis site where archaeological excavations are ongoing. There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit.

Its hypostyle halls, graced by papyrus-headed columns, contain some of the finest relief-work in Egypt, with various scenes portraying the pharaoh and the gods of Ancient Egypt.

As the temple lies north of Luxor, it isn't on the main Nile cruise ship route, so it receives much fewer visitors than the temple sites in Luxor itself and the Nile-side temples to the south. This means you are often lucky enough to wander through the temple's halls with only a few other visitors on site.

• Read More: Exploring The Temples of Abydos: A Visitor's Guide

Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.

This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, amid the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush.

For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route, or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.

Egypt's Red Sea coastline offers swaths of sand for travelers who want a time-out from temple viewing.

During winter, the resorts scattered along the shore surrounding Hurghada jump into life as European families arrive on package tourism breaks.

The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is the best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments.

Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being-developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Red Sea Region

The Cairo district known as Coptic Cairo is one of the most important Christian sites in the country.

Originally the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire's conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE, this district is home to Cairo's oldest surviving church, synagogue, and mosque, as well as the excellent Coptic Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and antiquities.

A section of the Fortress of Babylon's walls, which were repaired and expanded under Roman rule, are also still standing and are the entrance into the district.

Make sure to visit the Hanging Church, which holds a fine collection of icons and was built half over the Roman-era water wheel (hence the church's name). Then thread your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus which, according to local tradition, was built atop the site where the Holy Family with the infant Jesus lived in refuge after fleeing King Herod.

Nearby, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is famous for being the site where the Geniza documents cache were discovered.

A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt.

Wadi Al-Hitan is in the Fayoum area, a lush and fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert.

The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan.

Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales.

Some of the finds have been kept in situ, with walking tracks radiating out from the visitor's center to skeleton sites sitting amid the sand.

In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining Wadi Al-Hitan's importance, and displays many of the site's other finds, including a skeleton of a basilosaurus whale that measures 18 meters long.

The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic era and extended during the Roman period, though Dendara itself was an important cult center from early on in the period of Ancient Egypt.

A trip here is well worth a day trip from Luxor, as the temple's youth (in comparison to other Pharaonic temples) means that it is one of the most complete surviving temples in Egypt.

The reliefs and decoration here are in an excellently preserved state. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods.

Dendara is just outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north from Luxor.

Secreted within the jagged northern mountains of the Red Sea coast, the Monastery of St. Anthony has been a working monastery since the 4th century, and today is still home to around 120 monks.

The Church of St. Anthony, within the fortress-like compound, has an interior of secco wall paintings that are considered one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and date from around the 11th and 12th centuries. The church is also home to the tomb of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians.

Monks run tours of the monastery that include visiting the church and some of the monastery's gardens, as well as allowing you to head up and walk on top of the monastery's walls.

St. Anthony's Monastery is very isolated. If you don't have your own transport, the easiest way to get here is to hire a driver from Cairo or Hurghada.

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18 Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

One of the most popular countries to visit on the continent, Egypt lies in the northeast corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Home to incredible tourist attractions such as the Valley of the Kings, the Great Sphinx, and the pyramids at Giza, it is famed around the world for its ancient monuments and age-old archaeological sites.

Although focus of most tourist visits remains the great monuments along the Nile, possibilities for Egyptian travel also includes snorkeling and diving along the Red Sea coast. Other things to do in Egypt include camel trips into the mountains of Sinai, tours to remote oases or visits to the Coptic monasteries of the Eastern Desert.

In addition, the country has a rich culture and heritage for you to delve into, with fantastic museums and monasteries alongside a plethora of Ancient Egyptian attractions.

18. Temple of Isis at Philae

Located in southern Egypt, the Temple of Isis lies on a small island in a reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, surrounded by the swift-flowing waters of the river Nile. Originally located on Philae, it was dismantled and then relocated and reconstructed on Agilkia Island in the 1970s to protect and preserve the ancient complex from flooding.

Impressively, the temple is the oldest built in the classical Egyptian style and dates back to the third century BC. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it features sturdy stone columns and carefully carved capitals, with age-old hieroglyphs also on show.

Besides the terrific Temple of Isis, there are some stunning shrines, statues, and sculptures for visitors to check out, with Aswan’s alluring sights lying not far away.

One of the most important and impressive archaeological sites in Egypt, the ancient city of Abydos lies in the center of the country, just a couple of hours north of Luxor. Home to an astounding array of temples, tombs, and tantalizing treasures, it was here that the early pharaohs were buried, with the royal necropolis of Seti I being the undoubted highlight.

Wandering around the extensive yet largely unexcavated site is an awe-inspiring experience as massive monuments and cavernous chapels, chambers and courts lie all around. Once the main cult center of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, Abydos is thought to have been founded over six thousand years ago, remaining in use as a necropolis for most of that time.

16. Temple of Edfu

Boasting an extraordinary entrance, the Temple of Edfu lies on the banks of the river Nile, between Luxor and Aswan. Built between 237 and 57 BC, the Ptolemaic temple is dedicated to Horus; one of the most important ancient Egyptian deities.

Very well-preserved, it showcases remarkable reliefs and delightfully detailed carvings and hieroglyphs; even its roof is intact. Surrounding its sanctuary are nine chapels, and large stone columns line its divinely decorated halls.

It is its gigantic gateway that is the Temple of Edfu’s standout feature; it is guarded by grand granite statues and decorated with reliefs of long-gone pharaohs.

15. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

One of the most important centers of learning and culture in the country, Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located in Egypt’s second-largest city of Alexandria, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Opened in 2002, it attempts to replicate, commemorate, and celebrate the knowledge and learning that once took place in the Great Library of Alexandria – one of the ancient world’s greatest institutions.

It certainly achieves its goal. Within the complex are a number of magnificent museums and art galleries and a fabulous planetarium, while its main reading room can hold up to eight million books. The library exhibits lovely architecture: its design imitates the rising sun, and its exterior is coated in symbols and scripts from all around the world.

14. Red Pyramid

Surrounded by the endless sands of the Sahara, the Red Pyramid is located some 40 kilometers to the south of Cairo at the Dahshur necropolis. Widely believed to be the first successful smooth-sided pyramid ever built, it dates to 2590 BCE and lies next to the Bent Pyramid, an earlier and unique but ultimately unsuccessful attempt.

Once encased in white limestone, the 105-meter-high pyramid is now a ruddy red – residents of Cairo carted off its outer layer and used it to erect buildings. Visitors to the Red Pyramid can enter its interior chambers through a series of narrow passageways and marvel at the astonishing feat of engineering which paved the way for the pyramids at Giza to be built.

13. Siwa Oasis

Set in a scenic yet secluded spot in the Sahara, Siwa Oasis lies not far from the border with Libya. It boasts its own unique desert culture and distinct dialect. Mostly made up of Berbers, the town is primarily known for being home to the powerful and prestigious Temple of the Oracle, which even Alexander the Great came to consult.

While its revered ruins attract the most visitors, astounding archaeological sites, such as the rock tombs of Gebel al Mawta and the crumbling mud-brick fortress of Shali, are also well worth checking out. Siwa Oasis has a rich history, culture and heritage for you to delve into, with stunning salt lakes and desert scenery found nearby.

12. Blue Hole (Dahab)

One of Egypt’s most popular dive sites, the Blue Hole, lies just north of Dahab on the southeast of the Sinai Peninsula. Dropping straight down for over a hundred meters, the sinkhole is brimming with colorful coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish.

Due to the abundance of marine life and shoreline accessibility, recreational scuba divers line up to explore its underwater riches every day. While it is perfectly safe, the Blue Hole has unfortunately claimed the lives of a number of deep divers as they attempted to pass through its archway – a 26 meter-long tunnel which lies more than 55 meters below the surface.

11. Al Azhar Mosque

The first mosque founded in the city, Al Azhar was built by the Fatimids in 972 in their newly established capital of Cairo . Located in its mesmerizing medieval quarter, the mosque exhibits exquisite architecture, with majestic minarets and madrasas lying alongside divinely decorated prayer halls and marble-coated courtyards.

In addition to the fine features and flourishes that date to the Mamluks and Ottomans, among others, Al Azhar is also one of the oldest seats of learning in the world and still functions as a university to this day.

10. St Catherine’s Monastery

Set in the center of the Sinai Peninsula, St Catherine’s Monastery lies not far from the small town of the same name, beneath the wonderfully weathered Willow Peak. Sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, having been established in the year 324.

Enclosed within its ancient walls, you can find a lovely church, mosque, and library, as well as innumerable important icons and mosaics. On top of its historical, cultural, and religious value, St Catherine’s Monastery also boasts some superb scenery: it is set in a spectacular spot in the desert.

9. Pyramid of Djoser

Out of all of Egypt’s astonishing and awe-inspiring archaeological sites, the Pyramid of Djoser stands alone as the first colossal stone monument constructed in the world. Due to the amount of labor and level of societal organizing needed, its construction represented an astounding leap from previous architectural styles and norms.

Dating all the way back to the 27th century BC, the stunning step pyramid was built to house the burial chamber of Pharaoh Djoser, and many tunnels and galleries can be found inside it. Part of the sprawling Saqarra necropolis, the phenomenal pyramid is flanked by colonnaded corridors, monumental halls, and courts, and lies some 30 kilometers to the south of Cairo.

8. Egyptian Museum

Full of glittering jewels, marvelous mummies, and stupendous statues, the Egyptian Museum is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient artifacts. First opened in 1902, the large pinkish-red building can be found in Downtown Cairo overlooking Tahrir Square.

Wedged within its grand galleries are over 100,000 objects, with sublime stone sculptures and tantalizing treasures wherever you look. While its intricately decorated furniture, boats, and sarcophagi make for fascinating viewing, the undoubted highlight is the glittering Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, which is renowned around the world.

7. Ras Mohammed

Lying right in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, the small and scenic peninsula of Ras Mohammed juts into the warm waters of the Red Sea. Now a national park, its desolate landscapes contrast delightfully with the colors and life found beneath its waves.

As such, it is one of the most popular places in Egypt to go scuba diving and snorkeling, with the famous Shark and Yolanda Reef sites being the pick of the lot. Besides its gorgeous coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish, Ras Mohammed also has some beautiful beaches and superb scenery for visitors to enjoy.

6. River Nile Cruise

Cruising the Nile is one of the most popular things to do in Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile.

Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important towns.

Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. A Felucca is not quite as comfortable as a luxury cruise ship but nothing can beat sailing in a quiet rig that was designed thousands of years ago.

5. White Desert National Park

Boasting some of the most unique, unusual, and incredible landscapes in Egypt, White Desert National Park lies in the west of the country, not far from Farafra. Here, you’ll find sparkling white chalk rock formations, outcrops of glinting quartz, and the magically named Crystal Mountain.

Sculpted over millennia by the desert winds and sands of the Sahara, their surreal shapes and colors are mesmerizing to gaze upon, with the best views to be had from atop the two towering Twin Peaks. As the fantastic formations are so spectacularly lit up at sunset and sunrise, it is well worth camping the night in the national park to see them in all their glimmering glory.

4. Karnak Temple

Renowned for its staggering size, scale, and splendor, the Karnak Temple complex covers a vast area and is one of Luxor’s most popular attractions. While work first began on the site around 2000 BC, approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to its dazzling and decadent design, with each ruler adding their own temples and sanctuaries, chapels and obelisks.

Wandering around the temple really does feel like stepping back in time as you pass by colossal colonnades, human-headed sphinxes, and astounding architecture. The standout sight is the great Temple of Amun-Ra that dominates and defines the complex and boasts a majestic hypostyle hall.

3. Valley of the Kings

One of the most remarkable archaeological sites on Earth, the Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of the river Nile, facing Luxor. Cut into the surrounding cliffs, valleys, and mountains are an incredible 63 royal tombs, with pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramesses buried here from the 16th to 11th century BC.

Most of these chambers are sumptuously decorated with religious texts and resplendent reliefs, although their glittering treasures and sarcophagi have long since been removed. Visiting the age-old tombs is an awe-inspiring experience as you navigate cool rock-cut corridors and emerge into burial chambers painted with arresting scenes from Egyptian mythology.

2. Temples of Abu Simbel

Set in the deep south of Egypt, not far from the border with Sudan, the Temples of Abu Simbel look out over the shimmering waters of Lake Nasser. Carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, the twin temples are one of the most iconic sights in Egypt thanks to the enormous rock relief figures flanking their entrance.

While the famed facades attract the most attention, their interiors are just as delightful to explore, with statues, reliefs, and pillared halls all on show. Almost as impressive as the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor is the fact that the complex was relocated entirely in 1968 to avoid the rising waters of the Aswan Dam.

1. Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza

Lying on the outskirts of Greater Cairo is one of humankind’s most astonishing architectural achievements – the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Built between 2580 to 2510 BC are three phenomenal pyramids, with the enormous Great Sphinx and its human-like features set beside them.

While the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure both make for stunning sights, the Pyramid of Khufu – the oldest, largest, and most intact of the trio – is the real showstopper. Towering to a staggering 146 meters, it is made out of more than 2.3 million blocks, with grand galleries and burial chambers found within.

Exploring the Giza Pyramid Complex on foot or camelback is an experience like no other as you pass by some of the oldest buildings on Earth with the desert stretching out all around you.

Map of Things to Do in Egypt

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Reader interactions.

June 11, 2018 at 6:26 pm

It’s very hard to put a list of only 10 top attractions in Egypt, because there are many more! Have you camped at the white desert and seen its magnificent rock formations? have you star-gazed in Sinai? or watched the sun-rise over the fossils and rock formations at the Whales Valley in Fayoum? or walked Mu’izz street in Islamic Cairo at night, watched a whirling dervishes show, then had tea at El-Fishawy Cafe? or walked the streets of downtown, and had coffee at one of its historical cafes? Well, the list is just endless..

September 26, 2015 at 10:04 am

Thank you so much for the descriptions and pictures. I’m visiting Cairo in October and already wrote down places I’m going to visit. You made it easy and very exciting for me. Thanks again 🙂

August 6, 2014 at 11:37 pm

Great article! Since I was a child, I’ve always been interested in the Valley of the Kings. I especially want to see King Tut’s tomb at least once in my life. Well, its great to know that there are a lot of beautiful tourist destinations in Egypt. I also saw one of the comments. Is there really such a thing as the sunken city in Alexandria? I hope you can write about it soon!

July 30, 2014 at 7:32 am

Well, this article has very nice pictures. But you missed the sunken city in Alexandria. it is full of sunken ancient Egyptian and Greek monuments!

March 8, 2014 at 10:55 am

Hundreds of miles of coral, a wealth of sea life, and crystal-clear waters earn Egypt’s Red Sea Coast recognition as one of the planet’s best dive destinations. The warm water, great visibility, and availability of excellent instructors make this a good spot to learn how to dive. Most scuba activity here is based out of Dahab, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh. The best diving spot on world by fodors.com top 10 list .this is my country 🙂

February 21, 2014 at 3:12 am

I want to see Giza, it is just a stone’s throw from Cairo and lies literally across the road from many of the most popular hotels.

August 19, 2013 at 3:19 pm

My number 1 place to visit in Egypt is Elephantine Island! It is in the middle of the nile and used to be used at a river check point into Lower Egypt. Great archeological site!

July 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm

What a wonderful place to visit and the sites and people of this land were incredible. We have just returned from the most memorable holiday ever.Our touring experience was exciting, safe and welcoming.No need to dig we had immediate access to knowledgeable, skilled and world class tour guides with great insight .Yes, from brilliant sunrise to splendid sunset every step of the tour, we were treated with warm friendly hospitality -Shukran

May 29, 2013 at 8:51 am

Looks very cool, I can’t wait to be on the river Nile cruise….. Pyramid of Giza , red sea reef etc Egypt I’m coming soon….

May 18, 2011 at 9:27 am

Wow, you’ve got some great pictures here! I remember studying Ancient Egypt at school and since then have loved the place!

December 5, 2010 at 1:49 pm

Egypt has always been the first travel destination choice for me. It is breathtaking and holds so much history. Travel is always joyous to me. The idea of getting lost in a unknown place is exciting to me. There are so many places to go, and no one to stop you. I have wanted to watch the sun rise and set among the great pyramids since I was 9 years old, and I am now considering deep diving into the Red Sea and have a look around.

December 5, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Egypt is a place that I would love to travel to. It has always been the place I imagined myself to watch the sun raise, while looking at the great pyramids. I have never thought the Red Sea would be a place to add to my list to visit in my travels while in Egypt but just the one picture shown above is beautiful and I would definatly take a dive in and wonder the sea.

Just knowing the history of Egypt is so inspriring to me. There are so many places in the world that are remarkable but yet there is not enough time do make it to every place. For the longest time I have wanted to travel around the world and film it, then sale them for domcumentaion to schools and other academic areas. I would be able to travel and make a profit off of it.

December 3, 2010 at 11:40 am

Argh the red sea reef looks amazing!! But the temples must also be pretty impressive. I really have to visit!

December 1, 2010 at 7:08 pm

I have not been to any of those tourists spots in Egypt and I am hoping that I can visit there next year. My first stop would be at the Pyramids of Giza.

November 26, 2010 at 11:42 pm

Egypt has been attracting tourist for several thousand years. The Pyramids of Giza, the beach resorts along the Red Sea, and the bazaars of Medieval Cairo this are the most attractive place in egypt. The best time to go is between October to May when a visit to the temples in Luxor.

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The Icon: Egypt’s Great Sphinx

In Arabic, it’s called “the father of terror.” To us, it’s a riddle.

Who built the   Great Sphinx of Giza ? No one can say for sure (though several of the more crazy theories point fingers at space aliens). The huge limestone statue, as tall as the White House in Washington, D.C., with paws bigger than city buses, was erected in the time of the Old Kingdom , probably during the reign of the Pharaoh Khafre, between the years 2558 and 2532 B.C.

The crouching lion with a man’s head was ancient when Cleopatra gazed upon it in 47 B.C. It retains its allure to the powerful, as world leaders from Napoleon to Barack Obama have trekked to Giza to contemplate the same view that captivated the queen of the Nile.

Name game:   The Sphinx is an alias, created by the ancient Greeks when the statue was already centuries old. The early name was Hor-em-akhet, meaning “Horus in the horizon.” Horus is the Egyptian god of the sky.

Test of time:   Out of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx are still standing.

Color me mysterious:   The Sphinx was originally painted in garish comic-book colors like red. Traces of the pigment can be seen by its ear.

Copycat:   In Las Vegas, the Egyptian-themed Luxor Hotel ‘s foam and plaster version is 35 feet taller than the original Sphinx, which rises 66 feet.

Close shave:   The Sphinx originally sported a beard, which eventually crumbled. A piece of its “stubble” is displayed in the British Museum in London.

Secrets and lies:   Legend says the library of the sunken island of Atlantis is stowed beneath the Sphinx, with an entrance near its right paw. Nothing has been found, according to bemused archaeologists.

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Nose job:   Contrary to popular history, Napoleon’s cannonballs did not shoot off the Sphinx’s nose. The evidence suggests the nose was intentionally cleaved off at least 300 years before the Little Corporal invaded Egypt in 1798.

Pyramid scheme:   If you don’t like the Saharan sun, try booking a seat for the sound-and-light show at night when desert temperatures are cooler. The program bathes the Sphinx and pyramids in vivid colors as a narrator relays their history.

Andrew Nelson is an editor at large at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewNelson .

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Egypt’s Billion-Dollar Museum Is Getting Ready to Open as the Country’s Tourism Sector Weathers the Israel-Hamas Conflict

By Daniel Cassady

Daniel Cassady

Senior Writer, ARTnews

After 20 years and a billion dollars, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will soon be ready to welcome visitors, according to  a report by  CNN . 

Described as “largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilization,” the  GEM is also expected to become one of the world’s leading centers for archaeological and historical study.

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Among the historical treasures that will be housed in the GEM are Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus along with all of the 5,000 artifacts that were found in his tomb when it was uncovered in 1922, a 30-foot-tall, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses the Great, and the  Khufu ship , a fully intact solar barge that was buried next to the Great Pyramid in 2500 BC.

The structure was designed by Irish architectural firm Henghan Peng after their vision for a future home of Egyptian historical artifacts won a contest in 2003. According to  Architectural Digest , the GEM’s construction was plagued by setbacks, from the financial crisis in 2018 to 2011’s Arab Spring and the Covid pandemic. 

A March 2022 article by  Building Design + Construction  reported that the structure was “99% complete, with the remaining 1% representing the final touches and logistics for the official opening, planned for November 2022.” While no date has been officially announced,  Architectural Digest  says “there are murmurs of a late 2023 inauguration.”

The forthcoming opening comes as Egypt attempts to  double the amount of tourism  to the country over the next five years with a goal of 30 million visitors by 2028. The Israel-Hamas war that has consumed the Gaza Strip has had a  negligible effect on tourism  to the country, the Egyptian tourism minister told  Reuters,  with less than 10 percent of tourist bookings to the country effected. 

In a conflicting report, a tour operator told  The Independent  that “bookings for Egyptian Red Sea resorts through their company had fallen by 80 percent.” While travel to Egypt is still  considered safe  by some governments, the U.S. Department of State has, since July 2023,  advised Americans against travel to Egypt due to terrorist attacks and the prevalence of military zones. 

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ARTnews is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Art Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome to Egypt!

The land of ancient wonders and vibrant culture, egypt. breathtaking., before you travel.

Egypt is a place where natural wonders and ancient culture blend harmoniously together to create a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience. With miles of coastline along the Mediterranean and Red Seas, rolling sand dunes, towering pyramids, and lush oases, Egypt offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and be amazed by one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

From the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea and the incredible Mount Sinai, Egypt is blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on earth. History lovers can embark on tours to witness ancient Egyptian ruins, marvel at the intricate hieroglyphics, or explore the treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

For adventure seekers, Egypt offers a range of exhilarating activities such as diving, snorkeling, and camel trekking in the desert. And for those seeking a more relaxed pace, the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea offer the perfect spot to soak up the sun and unwind.

But Egypt is more than just a natural and historical paradise – it’s a country rich with culture and tradition. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene beauty of Aswan, Egypt offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Egyptian culture, Coptic traditions, and Islamic architecture. From traditional music and dance to artisan crafts and flavorful cuisine, Egypt offers a glimpse into a vibrant and colorful way of life.

Egypt is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience that awakens the senses and creates lasting memories. Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, Egypt has a little something for everyone. With warm and friendly locals always ready to welcome visitors with open arms, all that’s left to do is pack a bag and embark on an unforgettable journey to this ancient wonderland.

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Book a flight, our services, travel advisory & assistance, best experiences, travel compliance, "yellow pages", our service, we will help you every step of the trip, travel requirements & restrictions revision., 24/7 before & during-travel assistance, online book of all the required and recommended services., we will assist you in any situation. let us know..

Egyptetourism.com is a comprehensive tourism portal and advisor for Egypt, designed to provide travelers with all the information they need to plan a perfect trip to the country. The website offers a wealth of information on Egypt’s culture, history, attractions, and activities, as well as practical tips on visa requirements, transportation, and accommodations. Egyptetourism.com is dedicated to promoting tourism in Egyptand showcasing the best the country has to offer. With expert advice and insider tips, Egyptetourism.com is the ultimate guide for anyone planning to visit Egypt.

Disclaimer: Egyptetourism.com is an independent travel advisor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or organization. We provide travel assistance services to individuals who are planning to travel to Egyptetourism.com. Our services are designed to help travelers navigate the complex travel requirements and procedures, and our team of experienced professionals provides personalized support to ensure that travelers have a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Please note that Egyptetourism.com is not a substitute for official government resources or processes, and we strongly advise travelers to refer to the relevant government websites and resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Vintage photos show what it was like to visit Egypt 100 years ago

• Egypt has been a tourist destination for hundreds of years.
• But once the Suez Canal was completed in 1869 and Egyptology became popular, tourism skyrocketed.
• Here's what it was like to visit the land of the pharaohs in the 1920s.

Egypt has been a nation in some capacity since 3150 BCE, and the land has changed hands many times in the thousands of years since. Modern Egypt as we know it was officially founded in 1954, when the British occupation of the territory finally ended, according to The Guardian.

When the British took over the region in the 1800s, they oversaw the completion of the Suez Canal. According to the journal The Suez Canal: Past Lessons and Future Challenges , the canal made it much easier for tourists to make their way to Egypt after it opened in 1869.

At the turn of the 20th century, other developments continued to make Egypt an attractive destination for visitors. After the 1919 Egyptian Revolution against the British occupation, the British Empire recognized the Kingdom of Egypt in 1922, while still keeping it under British control. That same year, the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered, sparking a new wave of tourism.

The rise of the study of ancient Egypt, known as Egyptology, has long inspired people to visit the country, as seen in films like "The Mummy."

Tourism has remained a huge part of Egypt's economy, although it was badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the 2011 uprising that toppled then-President Hosni Mubarak. The country projected 15 million visitors in 2023, and received 11.7 million tourists in 2022, according to Africa News. Tourism also brought $10.7 billion last year.

Here's what it was like to visit Egypt 100 years ago.

1920: A group of tourists gaze at the Sahara Desert from the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the tomb of pharaoh Khufu.

1920: A view of a railway station in Alexandria, the first of its kind in Egypt.

Circa 1920s: A camel rider basks by an oasis near Cairo, with the pyramids behind.

Circa 1920s: A photo shows a bustling street in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo.

1918: A boat on the shores of Imbaba, an area of northern Giza.

1922: A group of American, English, and French tourists try riding camels in the Sahara.

1922: The tomb of Tutankhamun, or King Tut, was discovered in 1922, 3,300 years after his death. An image shows objects in its antechamber.

1922: An image taken by a plane shows an aerial view of Cairo.

1923: American tourists visit the Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.

1925: Archaeologists work on the site of the Great Sphinx of Giza. It was first excavated in 1817.

1925: A group of visitors arrives at the entrance of KV62, another name for King Tut's tomb, in the Valley of the Kings outside of Thebes.

1925: A tourist poses outside of the Temple of Ramesses III, a pharaoh who ruled from 1186 to 1155 BCE, in Medinet Habu.

1925: A group of archaeologists photograph a funerary stele, which is a monument to the deceased.

1926: A view of Port Said, a city at the northern end of the Suez Canal.

1927: A view of the flooded Nile River. The Nile floods every year in the summer, and it has been a huge part of Egypt's agriculture since ancient times.

Source: BBC

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The state of eco-tourism in Egypt

Ecotourism is getting a lot of attention now, but just how significant of a force is the budding industry in Egypt? Armed with a wealth of natural attractions scattered across three deserts, two seas and the Nile Delta, Egypt is ripe with options for more sustainable travel. The government has in recent years started speaking about the importance of better nurturing Egypt’s ecotourism attractions in its strategy to revive the tourism industry at large. And while there have been some efforts made in that regard, operators say a few fundamental hurdles still stand in the way of fully realizing that potential. So what is the state of ecotourism at the moment and just how much is being done to support the transition to sustainable travel?

Pinpointing the exact size of Egypt’s ecotourism industry is tricky , in large part because what counts as “ecotourism” isn’t clear. There are general principles: Minimizing harmful environmental impact, maintaining natural areas, and protecting indigenous culture are all core components of this kind of travel. But as far as concrete certifications are concerned, there are no unified rules and regulations, meaning operators are the ones left to decide exactly how ecologically sound their practices should be.

In Egypt, ecotourism generally refers to lower-carbon accommodation like eco-lodges and camping that are situated in the country’s many natural protectorates. For Basata — one of the oldest eco-lodges and campsites in Sinai — ecotourism means using fresh water sparingly, sorting trash and engaging with the local community. “We use a dual plumbing system where saltwater is used for toilets and cleaning activities and fresh water for our showers,” founder Sherif El Ghamrawy tells Enterprise. A portion of their food waste goes to feeding livestock and whatever remains is used to manufacture mud bricks on site, which they use to build new structures.

In Siwa, the guiding philosophy is similar. “Creating a sustainable travel destination consists of three main pillars: Respecting natural heritage, reviving cultural heritage and engaging the local community in heritage conservation,” Dr. Mounir Naemattalla, founder of luxury ecolodge Adrere Amellal and sustainable development consultancy EQI , tells us.

Local operators insist that the interest is there : “I think people want to experience nature and stay in eco-lodges but there currently aren’t enough,” Ghamrawy says. Eco-lodges and “semi-eco lodging” — as Ghamrawy described some of the campsites between Nuweiba and Taba — actually attract more visitors than hotels in the area do, he explained.

And official figures suggest a rising appreciation of Egypt’s natural beauty: Some 1.1 mn tourists visited protected areas between 2018 and 2021, a figure that was 5x greater than what the Environment Ministry had anticipated. In FY2019-2020, ticket sales at these sites reportedly generated revenues of EGP 30 mn , more than triple the sum in the four fiscal years prior.

This is part of a global trend: The global ecotourism industry in 2019 was estimated to be worth USD 181.1 bn in 2019, and is projected to reach USD 333.8 bn by 2027. Ecotourism in Africa alone is now worth some USD 29 bn a year employing 3.6 mn people, and is crucial to conservation and economic development efforts in remote parts of the region.

What has the government done so far to support ecotourism? Over the past two years the government has started to speak publicly about the importance of better utilizing our natural resources for tourist activities. The Environment Ministry earlier this year launched an ecotourism campaign, dubbed Eco Egypt , to promote 13 of the country’s 30 nature reserves. Maintaining the health of natural reserves is one of the ministry’s top priorities at the moment, Tamer Kamal El Din, General Manager of Red Sea Protectorates at the Environment Ministry tells us. More specifically, the ministry has been working on developing a new system for accurately logging and studying ecosystems’ health, constructing dams in flood zones like Wadi Degla, installing buoys at popular dive sites and building bird-watching towers in Sharm El Sheikh.

What more can be done to support the industry? Putting in place clear rules that specifically govern the activities of companies in the ecotourism space would be a good start, says Ghamrawy. These include regulations on things such as how close to the coastline they can construct buildings, what materials to use and how to organize trips for guests. He adds that he is currently working alongside a number of operators on drafting a set of guidelines for how to run ecologically sound tourism businesses.

A little help for SMEs: Making it easier to register ecotourism-focused SMEs would really encourage a lot more activity too, Ghamrawy says. For some groups running low-capital operations like guided trekking tours in the mountains and wadis of South Sinai, the barrier to entry can be overwhelming. “It doesn’t make much sense to be governed by the same rules that large tourism operations are bound by,” Ghamrawy says. Shifting these rules would jive perfectly with the government’s policy of supporting SMEs, he said.

Opening up the outdoors: Easier access to nature would be a huge leap in supporting the industry, Wael Abed, who owns Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary at the Dakhla Oasis in New Valley, tells us. Wadis and outdoor locations not designated as protectorates often see restricted access due to heightened security concerns in remote regions. Making it easier for visitors to access these locations would be a huge boost for the industry, both Ghamrawy and Abed agree.

Awareness campaigns on sustainability and environmentally sound development are at the forefront of Naemattalla’s concern, he tells us.

More private sector involvement with natural protectorates could be on the horizon. Protectorates are technically public land, which means they can’t be sold to private entities, but granting operation rights for limited time periods are currently on the books, says Kamal El Din. Environment Ministry proposals have long pushed for legislation to allow private companies to manage protected areas , similar to how Orascom Development won rights to manage the Pyramids Plateau . But so far there hasn’t been much happening on that front. The first steps towards private-sector involvement in nature reserves took place earlier this year with the introduction of a privately owned “ Bedouin Tent, ” at the Petrified Forest protectorate in New Cairo.

And it doesn’t necessarily have to be driven by altruism. Investing in ecotourism doesn’t always need to be a philanthropic endeavour, Naemattalla explains. “Any new product done well has a great chance for success. A commitment to sustainability is one of the most powerful forms of branding for a country, a region or an enterprise,” he says.

While there’s still a lot to be done to better support ecotourism, creating a thriving and sustainable industry will depend mostly on larger global trends like the resumption of global air travel and more visitors entering the country. What is clear though is that the way to better ensure visitors and operators commit to sustainable travel will likely require more than just promotional campaigns.

Your top climate stories for the week:

• West Bakr wind farm is now live: Lekela’s Actis-backed 250 MW wind farm became fully operational last week.
• Private sector eyes EV assembly: General Motors and Al Mansour Automotive could partner up to produce electric vehicles in Egypt under a MoU signed by the two companies last week.
• New ESG bonds are coming to Egypt: Companies in Egypt will soon be able to list social, ESG, gender equity and women’s empowerment, and sustainable development bonds on the EGX.
• Plastic Bank has collected 2.7k tonnes of plastic waste from Egypt and hopes to collect a total of 5k tonnes by 2023, the company announced in a statement .

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Enterprise is a daily publication of Enterprise Ventures LLC, an Egyptian limited liability company (commercial register 83594), and a subsidiary of Inktank Communications. Summaries are intended for guidance only and are provided on an as-is basis; kindly refer to the source article in its original language prior to undertaking any action. Neither Enterprise Ventures nor its staff assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, whether in the form of summaries or analysis. © 2022 Enterprise Ventures LLC.

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Egypt sees 4% growth in incoming tourist traffic

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa announced that the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a positive growth in incoming tourist traffic to Egypt by three-to-four percent compared to the first quarter of 2023 – which was already a record year for tourism in Egypt.

Issa expressed optimism that there will further growth in the near future, during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion on Wednesday.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities is currently witnessing financial reforms, the minister explained in order to increase the volume of the Council’s revenues, increasing its ability to carry out its role as a scientific institution and owner and operator of antiquities.

This will also aid in financing development and restoration projects providing the expenditure that archaeological sites and museums deserve, he added.

Issa said that there will be further developments in the near future regarding the tourism experience in some archaeological sites and museums, including Giza Pyramids area, Saqqara archaeological area, the Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, as part of the Cairo City Break initiative.

The meeting also discussed policies to stimulate aviation in light of the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy in Egypt, which will aid in increasing airline seats coming to Egypt to accommodate the targeted tourist numbers.

The meeting also reviewed the results of the additional stimulus package (The Booster Campaign) which the ministry announced for airline companies as part of the current aviation stimulus program due to the increased risks flights to Egypt face as a result of geopolitical events in the region.

And a proposal submitted to extend the aviation incentive program scheduled to end this April was discussed, with some amendments being made to it.

This proposal was approved and will be presented to the Board of Directors of the Tourism and Antiquities Support Fund.

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