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Although travel to the entire Middle East continues to face severe disruption after the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, long-term tourist interest in Egypt is attracting the attention of both airlines and hotel operators.In 2025, the North African nation saw a record 19 million tourists, alongside Morocco and South Africa as the most-visited countries in Africa. The Egyptian government recently scrapped the visa-upon-arrival fee for tourists from dozens of countries, and flag carrier EgyptAir has recently received DoT permission to run new flights to Los Angeles and Chicago from Cairo on an Airbus A350-900 by the end of 2026.On the hospitality end, luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental has now also committed to opening two additional five-star resorts to its Egyptian portfolio. Mandarian Oriental will take over the management of Old Cataract hotel in Aswan and Winter Palace in Luxor from competing chain Sofitel in 2026 and 2027.Mandarin Oriental will take over hotels in Luxor and Aswan from SofitelThe latter property overlooking the Nile River and the Temple of Luxor complex was built in 1886 and, as part of the transition to the Mandarin Oriental portfolio, will undergo a full renovation before reopening for the summer travel period in 2027.The hotel group is also choosing to launch its expansion into river cruises from Egypt with three-, four-, and seven-night itinerary options between Aswan and Luxor.Related: Mexico just crushed the US when it comes to luxury hotelsDetails on everything from the time frame to the vessel used remain scant, but Mandarin’s plan is to create a link between its different properties and market an extravagant cruise along the Nile to travelers.This also comes amid the ongoing redevelopment of the newly purchased Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo for a 2027 reopening.

The Winter Palace in Luxor is a historic property that has had multiple owners since 1886.Sofitel

“Egypt is one of the fastest-growing global destinations”: Mandarin Oriental”Egypt is one of the fastest-growing global destinations and presents a rare opportunity to create a journey that is both culturally rich and uniquely Mandarin Oriental,” Mandarin Oriental CEO Laurent Kleitman said in a statement.The company also classified its Egyptian river cruise plans as an effort to “form a fully integrated, destination-led journey between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.”More Travel News:Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.Iranian strike hits major airport, injuries reportedUnexpected country is most luxurious travel destination for 2026US government issues sudden warning on Switzerland travelMandarin Oriental currently has no properties in Egypt, so the three new hotels mark a head-first leap to expand into the country as quickly as possible, as competitors also rush to do the same.IHG Hotels & Resorts is also expanding its Egyptian portfolio with a new 130-room Hotel Indigo property in New Cairo slated to open in 2031, while new Four Seasons properties in New Cairo and Luxor also near completion.It is too early to determine how tourism may suffer from what could become a prolonged conflict across the entire Middle East. Still, interest by luxury hotel groups is driven by past growth of the luxury travel market to Egypt in particular.Data from analytics firm Deep Market Insights show that the high-end sector of experiential tourism opportunities, such as private Nile cruises and archeological tours, has grown by more than 400% over the last five years as high-spending travelers increasingly seek them out.(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.Related: ‘Yoga capital of the world’ has caught the eye of luxury hotel groups

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWhile it can be pricey to live in an apartment building, that extra cost does cover one key perk: a maintenance team that fixes things when they break. Once you purchase a home, however, all the repairs are on you. This sounds like a big responsibility, but many homeowners come to take pride in it as they learn how to repair a broken sink or a stuck garage door. To take on those challenges and more, you need to have the appropriate tools on hand.If you’re looking to invest in your first tool kit, the Craftsman 104-Piece Mechanic Tool Set is a great place to start. It’s on sale at Amazon for 51% off, reducing the $164 price tag to just $80. It comes with a comprehensive set of 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive sockets and drive tool accessories, which are covered by a lifetime warranty. For the price, it’s an unbeatable deal.Craftsman 104-Piece Mechanic Tool Set, $80 (was $164) at Amazon

Courtesy of AMa

Craftsman is a respected name in the tool industry for a reason. After debuting in 1927, it introduced its first power tool, the electric drill, in 1929. By 1940, the company’s power tools sales had increased 1550%, paving the way for the Craftsman name to become one of the most revered in the tool industry. So when you invest in a set like this, you’re buying a product you can count on for many years to come.This tool set comes in Craftsman’s signature red tool box, which has a heavy-duty handle and is covered by a one-year warranty. Inside, you’ll find two removable drawers. The top drawer holds the 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive sockets and drive tool accessories, while the second drawer holds two sets of hex keys, an additional ratchet tool, specialty bits, and more sockets. All tools have a full polished chrome finish and are resistant to corrosion, so you can rest assured that these are built to last.Related: Craftsman’s 30-drawer organizer is selling fast for just $17 at Amazon, and it’s perfect for DIYersThe top of the toolbox also opens to reveal a compartment you can use for general storage, so if you have some extra things to carry, it’s a handy place to tuck them away. Why do shoppers love it?Hundreds of shoppers have given this tool set a five-star rating, with many praising the value of the set and saying it makes a great gift, especially for new homeowners. “For the price, you can’t beat it,” one shopper wrote. “The toolbox itself is pretty large and well-made, and feels durable. The tools it comes with seem like decent quality, but nothing heavy-duty. I keep this in the trunk of my car for emergencies, and it has saved me more than once.”This Craftsman set makes for a great gift for young adults,” another shopper wrote. “This set can take a beating, and the case increases the chances that they won’t misplace tools, at least until they start taking them out of the case. But, really, folks, it’s a fantastic set of basic tools that everyone should have on hand.”Details to knowColors: Red toolbox with full polished chrome finish tools.Material: Metal.Components: 60 sockets, two ratchets, 16 hex keys, 22 specialty bits, and three accessories.Shop more deals Hantinstom 39-Piece Tool Set, $17 (was $20) at AmazonCraftsman 8-Piece Screwdriver Set, $25 (was $29) at AmazonAcosea 223-Piece Tool Set, $56 (was $70) at AmazonDon’t be daunted by the prospect of making repairs in your home. Grab the Craftsman 104-Piece Mechanic Tool Set for just $80 at Amazon, watch a few YouTube videos to get up to speed, and you’ll be fixing things in no time.