As part of a week-long celebration of World Tourism Day, Aswan is showcasing the richness of its cultural identity and commitment to women’s economic empowerment through a series of vibrant events held across its cities and heritage sites.
In the city of Edfu, the picturesque Nile Corniche played host to the “Ayadi Misr” (Hands of Egypt) Handicrafts Exhibition, organized under the supervision of the Edfu Local Authority. The event brought together a diverse group of female artisans, who displayed an impressive range of environmentally friendly and traditional handmade products. The exhibition drew enthusiastic responses from both residents and tourists, many of whom expressed admiration for the craftsmanship and authenticity of the items on display.
Simultaneously, the Kom Ombo district hosted its own handicraft and local product exhibition near the famed Kom Ombo Temple. The event attracted significant attention from international tour groups visiting the historic site, creating a valuable opportunity for artisans to promote and sell their work directly to a global audience.
In an official statement, Aswan Governor Ismail Kamal emphasized that these exhibitions align with Egypt’s national strategy under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to empower women and broaden their role in economic and social development.
“Handicrafts are not only a vital source of income for many families,” Kamal stated, “but also serve as a key channel for preserving Aswan’s cultural and artistic heritage. These exhibitions provide an essential marketing platform for authentic Aswani products and create direct channels between artisans and consumers.”
He added that the strong tourist interest in handcrafted goods highlights the global appeal of Aswan’s rich artistic traditions. The exhibitions offer more than just commercial opportunities—they reaffirm the value of cultural identity in a globalized world.
As Aswan continues to host events throughout the week, the city’s approach offers a compelling example of how tourism, local craftsmanship, and women’s economic participation can intersect to create sustainable development at the community level.
