Egypt saw an all-time high of 14.9 million arrivals last year, according to recently released figures from the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, but industry workers say between the economic crisis and the Israel-Hamas war, the industry is suffering. Photojournalist Hamada Elrasam follows the story across Upper Egypt, from Luxor to Aswan, and beyond, with words by Elle Kurancid.
In Photos: Economic, Regional Instability Pose Challenges for Egypt’s Tourism Industry
- By Hamada Elsaram
- Elle Kurancid
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A celebration is held for the birthday of the 12th-century Sufi Sheikh Yusuf Abu'l-Hajjaj, with local visitors and religious leaders gathering outside Luxor Temple, which holds a mosque in his name, in Luxor, Egypt, Feb. 23, 2024.
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Mahmoud Hawary, founder of Humans of Upper Egypt art camp, says, “After the start of the Gaza war and a decline in tourists, I began planting vegetables in my camp as a symbol of securing food and appreciating nature.” Hawary is pictured in Luxor, Egypt, Feb. 25, 2024.
