Egypt hails pyramids and temples

Tourism chiefs in Egypt have drawn attention to the country's historic tourist attractions as they revealed a rise in visitor numbers.

Arrivals increased by 20.2% between January and September this year in comparison to the same period in 2011, thanks in part to the re-operation of the Nile Cruises after a halt period of more than a decade and a half.

The Egyptian State Tourist Office said the tourism industry in the country was "resilient as ever", developing, planning and moving ahead with a range of new products to further entice people to come and visit.

Tourism chiefs announced plans to reopen the Kebbash Road next year. The road connects Luxor Temple with Karnak Temple, while plans to renovate pyramids were also revealed.

The tourist office said the developments reflect the interest and support that the current government of Egypt attaches to the tourism industry, recognising it as one of the main sources of income of the country's economy.

Meanwhile, the office added that it is "business as usual" for tourists in Egypt despite recent political developments.