The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities – Egypt is planning to develop the narrow entrance to the pyramids area at Fayoum Governorate, in order to increase tourism flow to the area. This was announced by the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, according to a report by Egypt Independent.
In a Tuesday phone-call with with TV presenter Sayed Ali, Waziri explained that a large bus stop based on the latest international standards will be established in the area. Tourists groups will enter at the visitor center, he said, which includes a theater and other services, before environmentally friendly buses take tourists on a trip around the pyramids. The project is scheduled to be completed within two months, Waziri said.
Once development work finishes, the entrance to the pyramids area will be closed from the side of the Mena House Hotel, and entry will be limited to the side of Fayoum Governorate, he added, pointing out that a tourist walkway is being established linking pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Earlier in July, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Eissa, had announced that he anticipates the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum to be between October and February.
Eissa had said in press statement, that work is underway to finish the GEM, as well as the area surrounding the museum. He added that once work is completed, the project will be presented to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to set the date for the official opening.
Constructed on approximately 500,000 square meters, the new GEM is located nearby the Giza Pyramids and will house the world’s largest antiquities collection belonging to a single culture’s heritage. The GEM is set to showcase 5,000 relics from Tutankhamun’s collection as well — including 2,000 artifacts displayed for the first time.
The museum includes huge exhibition halls, and is distinguished by its proximity to the Giza pyramids area and the New Administrative Capital, which makes it a gateway to Egypt’s past, present and future. It is expected to attract about five million tourists.