The Egyptian government is keen to raise the standard of living for the residents of the city of Esna and reposition the city as an important cultural destination on Egypt’s tourist map, affirmed Local Development Minister Mahmoud Shaarawi.
Shaarawi’s remarks came during his meeting with Tourism Minister Khaled el Anany and Luxor Governor Mostafa Elhamy to review proposals to revitalize the city’s tourism potential.
The meeting was held as part of the ministry’s efforts to put into force directives of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli to review several proposals and plans to renovate the ancient city of Esna.
The minister, meanwhile, affirmed support to the craftsmen and skilled professionals in handicrafts in Esna by providing jobs for them and fixed income.
Anani, for his part, underlined the importance of enhancing the tourism potential of Esna, pointing out to its distinguished location for the Nile cruise tours between Luxor and Aswan.
He also referred to the Tourism Ministry’s efforts to restore historic landmarks and revitalize Esna’s tourism infrastructure.
Last August, the recently-renovated Wakalet al-Jiddawi (Jiddawi Agency) was inaugurated in Esna, the minister said, noting that this project was funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Located 485 miles of modern Cairo, Esna has a history that dates back to the Pharaonic era, when it stood as the capital of one of Egypt’s regions at the time. The city remained important for over 2,000 years as a hub of trade and commerce that left behind assets and wealth of the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern eras.
