Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Anany and Minister of Local Development Mahmoud Shaarawy held a meeting to review the latest developments in the state's efforts to develop and revitalise the historical city of Esna in Luxor. The meeting witnessed a review of a number of proposals for development and revitalisation of Esna and placing it on the tourist map (Esna's 2030 Vision). The proposals included raising the efficiency of the Nile marina and developing the corniche in that region in light of the city's distinct tourism potentials and ingredients that make it an important station on the map of cultural tourism, especially with regard to Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The meeting also witnessed the presentation of the results of the committee that was formed to develop the areas surrounding the archaeological and historical buildings in the city of Esna. Meanwhile, the governor of Luxor also presented the efforts made by the governorate to develop the city, remove some infringements, improve infrastructure works, and develop the market. During the meeting, the importance of adhering to the specific timings for the completion of the proposals that were agreed upon with regard to development work was stressed in order to finally present it to the prime minister and start implementation. This development project is expected to support the tourism promotion of Esna, create job opportunities for the residents, raise their standard of living, and make the city more able to attract investments. This is in addition to raising the efficiency of the level of handicrafts, the environment, and heritage in Esna to provide a monthly income for the residents as well as linking the development work to what the city is witnessing within the Decent Life Presidential Initiative, revive the distinguished urban structure of the area, and integrate tourism into the city's infrastructure. The city includes the Esna tourist market, which ends with the Al-Jeddawi market, which was established in the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Khnum temple, and the Al-Kithariya market. The area is considered an archaeological panorama that also includes an oil mill, which is one of the most important contemporary mills in Upper Egypt. In terms of design, the area also includes about 30 houses with a distinguished Islamic architectural style in addition to a large number of minarets, the most important of which is the minaret of the Omari Mosque.
