Egypt tourism sites to reopen

EGYPT'S newly appointed minister of antiquities has announced that tourist sites are expected to reopen on February 20.

"All of the Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic and modern sites will reopen,” said a statement from the Minister of Antiquities Affairs, Zahi Hawass. The decision was made after Hawass met with members of the ministry and the Antiquities and Tourism Police to discuss security measures. Hawass admits that "there have also been many reports of attacks on archaeological lands".

The most visible incident involved the Cairo Museum, which was targeted during the unrest that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. There, some displays were damaged and 18 items stolen. Police have also arrested looters as they were attempting to rob sites at Tell el Basta and a tomb in Lischt.

Most airlines have begun reinstating their flights to Cairo and some tour operators have already started posting discounts to encourage visitors.