Egyptian tourism not looking so fair? Oh.

Photo: Twose

755,000 people visited Egypt in March 2014, 32.4 per cent lower than March 2013, according to the country's tourism sector, a sign that the uprising against former President Mubarak has had a severe impact upon Egypt's overseas appeal.

Earlier this year, Egypt announced that a replica of Tutankhamun's tomb, accompanied by a dedicated museum, would open this summer following a prolonged period of troubled development. The landmark opened this month, kicking off a new marketing campaign that is hoped to win back both holidaymakers and investors.

Indeed, Egypt's tourist industry is a major brick in the pyramid of the country's economy. Revenue from tourism fell 41 per cent to £3.5 billion in 2013.

The new visitor Centre at Tutankhamun's tomb is now hoping to see that trend reverse, with a capacity designed to cope with the 1,000 people who used to visit during peak holiday seasons.

"The world will see tourism returning to Egypt. We have an ambitious global plan to show the world that it is safe and fun to visit Egypt anytime," Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou told Reuters in Dubai.

For now, though, that number may be less near and more... Phar. Oh.