LUXOR
Population: Luxor 500,000 (2012 estimates)
Luxor is the site of the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes, making tourism a central driver of the economy. However, political turmoil and recent terrorist attacks have contributed to a steady increase in unemployment.
The government hopes to revitalize tourism with an ambitious new initiative to transform Luxor into the world’s largest open-air museum and is working with UN Habitat to support economic development.
Luxor’s ability to grow and diversify its economy also depends on a reliable urban infrastructure, but power outages and an inadequate drainage system create further challenges.
Nationwide energy shortages and aging local electrical facilities can lead to more than 3 hours of power cuts a day, while rainfall flooding paralyzes local transportation.
Local authorities believe that upgrading infrastructure is crucial to attracting tourists and putting Luxor back on track to prosperity.
