Luxor is a city in transition with the local government embarking on a huge plan of development to improve a number of features of the city not just from a tourists point of view but also for the local population.
Many buildings around the tourist sites have been destroyed to open up access and the view. Renovation of the avenue of Sphinx's from Luxor temple continues and a number of new international chain brand hotels are starting to be built in Luxor.
For tourists familiar with Luxor who have not visited in the last six months there have been two important developments.
Firstly part of the corniche road running along the Nile from Luxor to Karnak Temple has been closed and is being destroyed. This is part of a larger plan to make the whole of the corniche area pedestrian only and lowered to the level of the Nile.
The main effect now is that a number of Cruise boats that used to moor along this part of the corniche have had to move and are now docking further down in Luxor or at the new docking area some 7kms south of Luxor close to the bridge crossing to the West Bank. A short video is attached showing boats moored outside of Luxor at one of the new docks.
For boats that are still docking in Luxor, good sites are at a premium and at one point I viewed 10 boats lined up side by side which would make for a pretty long walk! For the boats moored outside of Luxor, the locations are obviously quieter but you have to take a transfer if you wish to come back in for the bazaars or tourist attractions.
I was told that the plan is for all boats to be mooring outside of Luxor within the year.
The second and far more attractive development is that the West Bank is now lit at night with an array of lights that really do showcase the whole site.
Although the photo does not do it justice at least it gives an idea of the view. Therefore those staying in a Nile facing hotel room or lucky enough to be on boat with views of the West Bank will be able to enjoy this new spectacle.
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