Revenues from historical tourist attractions decreased to US$38 million in 2015, compared to US$220 million in 2010, Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anany announced in a statement Tuesday. The number of tourists who visited Egypt in 2010 registered 15 million, compared to 6.3 million in 2015, the minister added. According to Anany, the decline in revenues has negatively impacted many projects carried out by the ministry, especially restoration projects for archaeological sites and artifacts. The discount was extended in January 2017 to cover annual visit permits to archaeological sites for the period of one month. Anany said the decision came ahead of New Year and Christmas celebrations, in order to encourage visits to archaeological sites and promote tourism.

Source: Egypt Independent January 18, 2017 12:33 UTC