Three tombs have been opened to the public for the first time in Egypts ancient city of Luxor, while two others have been reopened after restoration and conservation work. The new tombs, located in the small village of Qurnat Marey, were opened for the first time since their discovery in a ceremony officiated by the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh El Damaty.
The new tombs are among the most important resting places of the nobles, including that of Imhotep, the deputy of King Tutankhamun in Kush and governor of the south lands, the tomb of Imnement who carried the title of the godfather of Imhotep III, in addition to the grave of Amunemheb, who was the keeper of Amun Re Cattle in the New Kingdom.
The openings, which coincide with the celebrations of Luxors national day, come within Egypts general plan to open new archaeological sites to encourage tourism in the country. The celebrations included a pharaonic ballet performance organised by the Cairo Opera House and a military music performance.
Egypt has had several hits on tourism in the past, and still hasnt been able to rebound after the unrest of the 2011 revolution, causing tourists to flee the country.
The Russian airliner crash over Egypts Sinai Peninsula after flying out of Sharm el-Sheikh airport on 31 October will almost undoubtedly hit tourism as well.
