In photos: Aswan's sailing boats clear your mind

CAIRO – 13 February 2019: Going on Nile cruises is one of the most important touristic activities in Aswan as it allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful nature.

A falouka (sailboat) is an important means of transportation in Aswan and is different from being on a big ship as it gives one an intense enjoyment of the Nile and its charm.



Mohammed Shanbo, 19, a sailboat driver in Aswan, told Egypt Today that serenity is the main characteristic of sailboats, adding that German tourists love Nile cruises the most.

Shanbo revealed that tourists like adventures, saying “they do not fear the wind, unlike the Egyptian customer.”

Ahmed al-lybe, 25, a sailboat driver, also said that the season starts from November to March and then stops at the beginning of the summer, so they only rely on the money they get during the season.

In the past few years, Aswan has suffered from the absence of Japanese, Indian and French tourists due to political reasons, but in 2018 tourism has returned thanks to the government's efforts, a source told Egypt Today.

The source added that 2018 witnessed a huge number of tourists in Aswan’s streets; in addition to the increase in the number of Nile tours. He said that the price of one Nile tour has reached $50 up from $30.

Luxor and Aswan are probably the two most popular and important touristic destinations in Egypt. However, to arrive in Luxor, tourists had to first land in Cairo International Airport and then take another internal flight to Luxor. Egypt needed a faster, direct route to Luxor so that tourists are encouraged to come.

These direct routes will solve the problems tourists face when planning their visits which will, in turn, improve tourism in Egypt.