Egypt Seeks to Improve Tourism through Archaeological Finds

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. excavation / ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃən / (n) – a site or area that has been dug
    Example:

    The researchers found a 1,000-year-old mask in the excavation.


  2. anticipate / ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪt / (v) – to expect that something will happen
    Example:

    We are anticipating new treasures to be found in the excavation.


  3. shed light on (something) / ʃɛd laɪt ɑːn / (idiom) – to make something clearer after finding evidence
    Example:

    The discovery of the burial site can help shed light on the burial process of old civilizations.


  4. dwindle / ˈdwɪndl̟ / (v) – to decrease in quality, size, or number
    Example:

    The number of tourists visiting the Pyramids of Giza dwindled ever since some fighting happened near the attraction.


  5. turmoil / ˈtɚˌmojəl / (n) – a state of chaos or lack of order
    Example:

    No tourists are coming because of the current turmoil in the city.


Article

Read the text below.

Archaeologists hope to revive and boost Egyptian tourism with recent discoveries.


A team of archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old burial place and a mummification workshop near the Pyramids of Giza. The team also found numerous stone statues, jars, vessels, and a gold and silver mummy mask in the excavation. Egypt’s antiquities minister anticipates more discoveries as the team continues to explore the site.


Experts are hopeful that these discoveries will shed light on the specific oils Egyptians used in mummification.


Some of the items found from the recent excavation will be showcased in the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to open before 2018 ends. Older archaeological finds, including King Tutankhamun’s [toot-ahng-KAH-muh ns] funerary mask and tomb treasures, will also be housed in the museum.


The Grand Egyptian Museum, which cost over $1 billion, will be the biggest museum dedicated to just one civilization. It will also boast a view of the Pyramids of Giza. The country hopes that this museum and the recent discoveries can improve Egypt’s tourism.


Tourist arrival in Egypt has dwindled since 2011 when a huge political turmoil broke out. Rallies and demonstrations were held against the president at that time. For fear of getting involved in the political unrest, millions of tourists left the country. The tourism industry continued to worsen in 2015 when a terrorist group from Egypt bombed a commercial flight from Russia.


To address the problem, the Egyptian government has tightened and improved airport security. Monetary incentives of $4,000 or more are also given to airlines with inbound flights that are at least 80% full.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think that showcasing archaeological discoveries can help revive Egypt’s tourism industry? Why or why not?
• In what other ways can Egypt encourage more tourists to visit the country? Discuss.

Discussion B

• If you could freely explore a place’s history and culture, what place would you choose? Why?
• Aside from improving a country’s tourism, what do you think are other benefits of discovering archaeological items?