CAIRO — When software engineer Ali Abdo realized that Egypt’s tourism sector would likely suffer following the Russian plane crash in the Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, he did not hesitate to put his hobby to use in a bid to help his homeland.

Abdo decided to launch a new installment of his “Around Egypt on Motorcycle” initiative, whereby he travels across the country on a 1993 model bike to visit and photograph interesting sites and raise awareness about tourist destinations. In his newest journey, launched Dec. 10, he aims to travel 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) in the span of seven days. While he is well aware that his bike is relatively old, he insists on using it to lead his initiative. 

It all started in 2013 when Abdo first launched “Around Egypt on Motorcycle.” At the time, the goal was to promote motorcycle tourism in Egypt. He then developed his initiative as he found that the tourism sector as a whole needed rejuvenation, so he launched the second phase of his initiative. 

Over the past two years, Abdo has traveled across Egypt using his motorcycle and has become known on social networking sites, posting pictures of his travels and sharing information about tourist attractions in Egypt.