Sharm El Sheikh: A model of sustainable transformation

The bustling city of Sharm El Sheikh, the “City of Peace,” has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis in recent years, emerging as a shining example of sustainable urban development. The catalyst for this transformation? The organization of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2022.

Sharm El-Sheikh embarked on a journey to prepare itself to host this monumental conference, which saw the gathering of over 35,000 delegates from around the globe. In anticipation of this mega-event, the city embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of its infrastructure and road network, as well as the implementation of sustainable practices for green energy, water management, and safety enhancement.

One notable initiative that contributed significantly to this transformation was the deployment of a sophisticated and technologically advanced camera network, controlled by a central control room. This innovation not only bolstered security measures but also played a pivotal role in elevating Sharm El-Sheikh to the status of a truly safe city.

The commendable efforts of Major General Khaled Fouda, Governor of South Sinai, did not go unnoticed. The AFASU Awards Committee recognized and honored Major General Fouda as the “Man of the Year” for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing tourism in the region.

Under Major General Fouda’s guidance, Sharm El Sheikh has thrived and that led to receive the AFASU award for the “Safest Tourist Destination in the world”. This recognition underscores Major General Fouda’s visionary leadership and commitment to creating a smart and sustainable city that prioritizes the safety and security of its visitors.

Furthermore, Sharm El Sheikh has been lauded for its dedication to sustainability, energy conservation, and the safety of tourists. Through a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, adopting clean energy solutions, and integrating smart technologies, Sharm El Sheikh has emerged as a beacon of responsible tourism practices.

The Awards ceremony took place last Sunday, February 25th, at the Concorde El Salam Hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders including businessmen, members of the hotel and tourism chamber, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, South Sinai investors, journalists, media professionals, local, regional, and international news agencies, and local and regional television channels.

Notably, the ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed leaders and members of the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU), led by President Dr. Hossam Darwish, Vice-Chairman of the Awards Committee, the former Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, Alain St. Ange, Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network Theodore Koumelis, Founding Partner of Chameleon Strategies and 2nd Vice Chair of the Affiliate Members Board of UN Tourism Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO of the AFASU union Counselor Dr. Adel Al-Maslamani, Secretary-General of the union Major General Hossam Badr El-Din, hotel expert Motee Ismail, businessman Enan Al-Galaly, and businessman Bushra Ghali, among numerous other distinguished members. The event served as a testament to the city’s remarkable achievements and Major General Khaled Fouda’s exemplary leadership in advancing tourism and sustainability in the region.

These efforts and initiatives are in alignment with the mission of the African-Asian Union (AFASU), which seeks to promote and reward policies and practices that drive tourism, economic prosperity, and community development.

As Sharm El Sheikh continues to lead the way in sustainable urban development, it sets a precedent for cities worldwide, demonstrating the transformative power of visionary leadership and collective action in building a greener, more resilient future.

The article Sharm El Sheikh: A model of sustainable transformation first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.