There are some encouraging signs that Egypt is trying to kick-start its tourism & cruise economy following the Arab Spring that saw the overthrowing of the government last year. For the river cruise industry, a large boost came late last month in the form of an award bestowed upon Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ River Tosca.

Egpyt’s Ministry of Tourism awarded Uniworld’s River Tosca the title of “Best Cruise Ship” to commemorate “World Tourism Day.”  It’s quite the award, given that nearly 300 river cruise ships ply Egypt’s storied waterways.

The ceremony — celebrated in Cairo — was designed to recognize the best of the best in the travel industry. Egypt’s economy relies heavily on tourism, making this year’s World Tourism Day a crucial event for that country.

“I would personally like to thank the Ministry of Tourism for awarding this honor to Uniworld and our partners, Spring Tours,” said Guy Young, President of Uniworld. “Egypt is a wonderful destination filled with some of the world’s most celebrated cultural heritage and iconic sites. Uniworld’s commitment is to deliver a superior product and experience to our guests traveling in Egypt and all the great destinations where we operate.”

In 2013, Uniworld will offer three distinct itineraries that explore some of Egypt’s most significant cultural and historical sights.

The eight-day Classic Egypt and the Nile is perfect for those guests who only have a limited amount of time to see and do it all. Four nights aboard the River Tosca along the Nile accompany a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo. Visits to the Valley of the Kings and the famed city of Luxor are also included.

Travellers with more time to spare will no doubt want to take part in one of Uniworld’s two, 12-day itineraries: Jewels of Egypt, the Nile and Lake Nasser or Splendors of Egypt and the Nile.

The main difference between the two: The Jewels of Egypt, the Nile and Lake Nasser includes a three-day Nile Cruise aboard the River Tosca, and a four-night cruise along Lake Nasser aboard the Prince Abbas. Splendors of Egypt and the Nile includes a spectacular seven-night journey along the Nile aboard River Tosca.

Departures for all three itineraries run between January and December, 2013.

More information on Uniworld and River Tosca can be found by viewing our complete Uniworld Boutique River Cruises profile here on River Cruise Advisor.