Egypt has announced plans to reopen some of its pyramids (pictured, above, by Adrian Maidment), in an attempt to lure tourists back to the country.
Antiquities Minister Muhammad Ibrahim has announced that the government is reopening the Pyramid of Chefren, the second-largest of the ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, and as many as six other ancient tombs at the Giza site, following a lengthy restoration project.
Although some have voiced concerns that there is still a danger of rioting in the country, Mr Ibrahim moved to reassure the world that Egypt is a safe country.
According to online newspaper Ahram, the $4 million restoration project saw tomb walls cleaned and reinforced, as well as the removal of graffiti left by previous visitors.
New lighting and ventilation systems have also been installed, while a path has been created linking the tombs to the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
The ground has also been protected by wood, maintaining the tomb’s original rock, giving tourists the opportunity to walk inside.
The tomb and the others around it were discovered in 1927 by American Egyptologist George Reinser, and have been closed on several previous occasions for restoration.
Research from the Ministry of State Antiquities (MSA) revealed that the vast number of visitors to the site had increased humidity levels inside the structures to as much as 80 per cent, with each visitor releasing an average of 20 grams of water vapour through sweat.
Earlier this year, Egypt’s tourism minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour stated that he expects to receive more than 12 million tourists to the country by the end of 2012, a 23 per cent rise compared to figures for 2011.
“I expect that the second half of the year will witness great recovery in tourism,” Abdel Nour said, citing new initiatives by the ministry to boost ecotourism amongst other factors.
“I expect that Egypt will be able, without much effort, to receive more than 12 million tourists by the end of the year,” he added.
