El Gouna Unveiled: Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
🏄♂️ 1. Secret Kiteboarding Spots
Skip the tourist beaches and head to local-only kite zones like Abu Tig Marina, Zeytouna Beach Bar, and the mangroves near Tawila Island. Calm, shallow waters and consistent wind create ideal conditions for beginners and freestyle riders.
🚣 2. Lagoon Boat Tours & Tuk‑Tuk Journeys
Glide through El Gouna's emerald canals in a traditional boat or soak up the vibe on a tuk‑tuk tour past palm‑lined streets, marinas, and local artisan spots. It's the perfect way to uncover the town's architecture and baked‑in chill factor.
🐠 3. Under‑the‑Radar Dive & Snorkel Sites
Beyond Abu Hashish Lagoon (off the Hurghada coast), explore colorful coral walls and marine life teeming with turtles and rays—without the crowds. Perfect for those who want underwater beauty minus the bustle.
.
🌿 5. Eco‑Conscious Stains at Egyptian House & Fish Farm
Feel good about holiday shopping at Egyptian House, where handcrafted linens support women artisans. Or chill at the lush El Gouna Fish Farm, a picnic-ready garden oasis with koi ponds and dog-friendly vibes.
🥗 6. Local Flavor Hotspots
Wake up at Boho Café harbor‑side for eggs Benedict and smoothie bowls.
Go evening‑casual in downtown's Chicha for Peruvian tacos or Zia Amelia for wood‑fired pizza vibes.
🎭 7. Cultural Pulse & Festival Scene
El Gouna Film Festival and regular performances at the cultural hub bring a dose of cinematic and artistic flair—no tourist trap here, just real local creativity.
✅ Pro Tips
From adrenaline-packed watersports and desert escapades to indie vegan cafes and cultural hubs, El Gouna has a whole other vibe ready to surprise you. Perfect for a chill yet adventurous holiday that's Insta-worthy and soul-feeding.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa: De Lille outlines tourism budget priorities, reforms and growth plans
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has outlined how the Department of Tourism's R2.434bn budget for the 2025/26 financial year will be directed towards destination development, tourism support services, legislative reforms, and job creation, with a strong emphasis on rural and township economies. "This budget is based on the Government of National Unity's Programme of Action for the next five years," said De Lille, addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, 22 July. "Our mission is clear: to elevate the profile of tourism as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, as it is identified in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan." Budget allocation breakdown According to De Lille, the primary allocations from the R2.434bn budget include: • R1.3bn to South African Tourism • R331m to Destination Development, primarily directed to the Working for Tourism programme • R331m to Tourism Sector Support Services, which fund initiatives such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Tourism Grading, Market Access, and the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) Response to Select Committee concerns De Lille welcomed the recommendations from the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, chaired by Sonja Boshoff, stating: "The Select Committee has identified key aspects where I, too, think the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism can sharpen their focus to deliver on our mandate." "These matters the Department is trying to address in its work, and the current Budget Policy is before the NCOP today for debate," she said. Focus on legislative reforms and governance The department will finalise and table the Tourism Amendment Bill, which aims to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. De Lille also committed to: • Reviewing legacy strategies, including those on Heritage & Cultural Tourism, Rural Tourism, and Service Excellence • Implementing 60-day fund approval targets for GTIP, TEF and TTF, with consequence management • Enhancing oversight and governance through quarterly public dashboards tracking EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics She said: 'We will strengthen internal controls, audit committees and contract and consequence-management frameworks.' New five-pillar sector plan launched De Lille unveiled the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a sector-wide action framework built on five pillars: 1. Ease of access – including visa reform, air connectivity and road transport 2. Coordinated destination marketing 3. Tourist safety and security 4. Tourism product development 5. Job creation – with a focus on youth employment and skills pathways She announced that an Execution Lab will be held next week with sector leaders to develop implementation strategies and timelines to meet 2030 growth targets. Destination development projects in nine provinces De Lille detailed 17 community tourism infrastructure projects scheduled for completion this financial year. Highlights include: • Mthonsi and Qatywa Lodges (Eastern Cape) • Qwa Qwa Guest House (Free State) • Muzi Pan Project (KwaZulu-Natal) • 10 Limpopo projects, including Mapate Recreational Tourism, Nandoni Dam and Phiphidi Waterfall • Mdluli Cultural Centre (Mpumalanga) and Manyane Lodge (North West) At the Tisane Project in Limpopo, upgrades to accommodation and a restaurant have already enabled the hosting of several community functions. "We are also working to finalise condition assessments for five World Heritage Sites," she added. Nearly 18,000 visit new dinosaur centre in a month Since launching on 22 June 2025, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park has already attracted nearly 18,000 tourists in its first month. "This demonstrates the power of partnerships. The project was funded by the European Union, with the Department of Tourism working in close collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries," said De Lille. Investment and marketing initiatives In September 2025, the department will host the first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town to attract anchor investors for tourism infrastructure. "We will launch our Tourism Investment Booklet in collaboration with the UN Tourism," De Lille said. South African Tourism will also sharpen its marketing efforts, particularly in India, China, and Brics+ countries, supported by the improved air access and direct flights expected to resume through SAA. At the recent China mission with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, De Lille noted: "It was encouraging to hear from 150 tour operators about the positive impact the Department of Tourism's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is having on sentiment." The department aims to support 105 MICE bid submissions, convert 25 into closed wins, and host 10 events in villages, townships and small towns, with a targeted economic impact of R120m. Youth innovation and risk management To address digital and climate-related challenges, the department is developing a Digital Maturity Roadmap, a real-time tourism dashboard, and mobile tools. A G20 Hackathon will also be hosted, in partnership with 18 higher education institutions, inviting students to propose digital tourism solutions. The Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan will prioritise climate change, safety, health, and governance. In closing, De Lille reiterated the department's commitment to reform and inclusive growth: "Together, we will create a resilient and inclusive tourism sector that powers South Africa's future."
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Uber launches Senior Accounts in MENA to support older adults' mobility
Uber has introduced a new feature across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region designed to make transportation easier and more accessible for older adults. The launch of Senior Accounts and Simple Mode aims to help older people travel independently while giving their families peace of mind. Now available in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, the feature allows family members to set up and manage rides for older relatives, even if they live in different cities or countries. Senior Accounts are part of Uber's Family Profiles and provide a streamlined version of the app with larger text, simplified navigation, and the ability for trusted family members to provide remote assistance. For users who prefer to ride on their own, Simple Mode can be activated through the app's accessibility settings, offering a user-friendly interface with fewer steps and clearer prompts. 'These features reflect the company's ongoing efforts to make the Uber app a platform that works for the entire family, from teens to seniors,' the company said. Building on the success of Teen Accounts, Uber is bridging another important gap in the mobility space. 'In the MENA region, where strong family ties and intergenerational support are a way of life, this offering will help older adults stay independent and connected, with the reassurance that loved ones are always just a tap away.' Read: The features come as mobility challenges for seniors in the region—such as limited public transport access, long distances, or extreme heat—can pose significant barriers. Senior Accounts bridge these gaps by allowing older riders to save favourite destinations, choose flexible payment options, and share trip details in real time with loved ones. Family members can also book or monitor rides remotely through the app. How it works: A family organiser creates a Family Profile and invites an older adult to join as a senior. The senior receives a text message with a link to download the app and register. Once set up, they can request rides themselves or allow a family member to manage trips on their behalf. For those not added to a Family Profile, Simple Mode remains available as an independent feature through the app's accessibility settings. Following successful launches in the US, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, Uber's rollout in the MENA region underscores its broader strategy of building inclusive technology that meets the needs of all age groups. The company developed these features in collaboration with older riders and accessibility experts to ensure the platform works for every stage of life.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Raki Phillips steps down as RAK Tourism chief for Accor post
Raki Phillips (CEO of RAKTDA) is taking on a new leadership position at Accor. One of the UAE's most prominent tourism figures, Raki Phillips, is set to leave his role as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and take on a major new leadership position at hospitality giant Accor. From November 2025, Phillips will become regional president for Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. He succeeds Paul Stevens, whose tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades. Phillips brings over 20 years of experience in global hospitality and destination development. During his six years at RAKTDA, he helped transform the northern emirate into one of the region's fastest-growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his watch, Ras Al Khaimah tripled its tourism revenues, expanded international air connectivity, secured the landmark Wynn Resorts deal – the largest foreign direct investment in the emirate – and launched wide-ranging sustainability initiatives. READ MORE: Prior to his role in government, Phillips held senior roles at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, where he supported the ramp-up of high-profile properties including the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex. His earlier experience includes time with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, giving him a well-rounded view of both luxury operations and global entertainment-led hospitality. Accor's CEO for the PME division in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Duncan O'Rourke, described Phillips as a 'rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership,' adding that his appointment is key to strengthening Accor's local leadership across the region. Phillips will now oversee a network of over 250 hotels across 27 countries, with more than 85 properties in the pipeline. He will be based in Dubai and manage a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis. His arrival comes at a time of momentum for Accor, with more than 350 hotels and 92,000 rooms across the region, and a development pipeline of over 140 hotels. Key markets such as the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia continue to drive performance and investor interest.
