Aswan city announced D-8 Tourist City of the Year for the second time

 EGYPT- Aswan has been named the “Tourist City of the Year” for 2026 by the Developing-8 (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation after winning most votes from member states. 

The win, which is the second one this year came after Aswan was nominated and voted for by a majority of the D-8 members states. Established in 1997, the D-8 Organisation serves as a framework for cooperation among its members in various sectors, including tourism. 

Members of the D 8 Organisation 

 The group comprises nine countries—Egypt, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey—with a collective population exceeding 1.2 billion people. 

The selection process 

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, submitted a comprehensive file and promotional materials including video presentations and introduction to the city detailing the city’s tourism infrastructure and assets. 

The D-8 secretariat then reviews the nominations using the agreed criteria. 

Voting is done by the member states to determine the winner and thereafter the winner for the city of the Year is announced by the Secretariat. 

The competition 

Aswan satisfied the D-8 selection criteria which checks on; the city’s unique tourism potential and cultural assets, existing facilities and capacity to support tourists, its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, promotion of cross-border tourism, joint packages, and safety measures and the ability to host programs throughout their tenure. 

 The Egyptian city secured the title, awarded for the second consecutive year, following a competition against three other nominated cities from Azerbaijan, Iran, and Pakistan 

Popularly referred to as the city or land of gold, Aswan’s gold sand among other sites, attracts travellers and tourists all over the world. According to the nomination file, the award reflects Aswan’s historical and cultural position as well as its status as a tourist destination. 

Aswan’s second win is going to increase tourism traffic to Egypt and Aswan from within the D-8 member states and beyond.  

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