Eng. Amr Jazarin, Executive Chairman of Orascom Pyramids Projects, said that it aims to increase the number of visitors to the pyramids area to 5 million annually in a period ranging from two to three years to come, as a first stage.
He added that the volume of the company's investments in the project to develop visitor services in the pyramids exceeds one billion pounds.
The political leadership supports the private sector and puts the region on its list of priorities
Butchers added, in exclusive statements to Al-Mal, that the project is planned to be completed within the next 3 months, noting that the opening date has not yet been set, given that it is a presidential decision.
He pointed out that the pyramids area has suffered from neglect over the past years, but the state has in recent years placed it on its list of priorities. With the aim of developing it and bringing about a civilized shift in it, noting the support of the political leadership for the private sector and its involvement in important projects.
Full details of the update
Butchers revealed the full details of the development project, which is represented by the establishment of 7 stations within the region that include 15 restaurants that will be rented, adding that it will open a new and civilized entrance located on the Fayoum Road, to reach the tourists after that to the visitors’ area.
He added that some of the original artifacts, which were used in building the pyramids, will be placed inside the visitor center for tourists to enjoy watching while entering the area.
The CEO of the company indicated that a garage was equipped to accommodate 1,000 vehicles and 150 tourist buses, in addition to toilets at the highest level.
He pointed out that most of the visitors' center and construction works for the shrines have been completed, adding that work is underway to provide them with all basic services.
Butchers stated that services related to encouraging Egyptian crafts and industries will be provided through stores selling authentic Egyptian products in accordance with international standards that are followed in museums and international archaeological sites, provided that this phase is completed during the second quarter of 2023.
He added that work has been completed to develop the excursions hall for Egyptian and foreign visitors, which are pre-booked trips, which contain a variety of programs to suit all categories of tourist delegations, companies, embassies, official delegations and government agencies.
Butchers added that a program dedicated to schools and universities has been made available, explaining that a group of companies, schools and tourist delegations have already been hosted within the experimental operating program, provided that this stage will be completed during the second quarter of this year.
He noted that Orascom Pyramids is working to complete the establishment and preparation of various venues to accommodate various types of events within the region, which are sports, cultural and artistic events.
Butchers pointed out that the company's developments in the infrastructure led to an increase in the demand from companies to hold events and parties inside the pyramids area, which prompted the company to work to increase the sites designated and equipped for events during the last quarter of this year.
It is worth noting that in 2018 the Supreme Council of Antiquities signed a contract with Orascom Pyramids Projects to provide and operate visitor services in the Giza pyramids area, provided that the Council exclusively manages the entire area.
Orascom Pyramids Projects specializes in marketing, promotion, and operation of the bus parking lot outside the archaeological area in front of the new entrance on Fayoum Road, while providing, operating, and maintaining means of transportation for visitors within the area.
Environmentally friendly
In a related context, the company's executive chairman said that environmentally friendly electric buses have been provided to the region, explaining that 10 buses that operate on electricity and energy have been purchased as means of transportation for visitors inside the pyramids.
He stressed that it is intended to reach 30 buses in the coming years, including golf carts, buses and coasters.
future plan
Regarding the number of visitors to the pyramids, Butchers said that the average number of visitors to the region currently ranges from 2 to 2.5 million tourists annually, and about 10 thousand tourists per day.
He pointed out that the company aims to increase the number of visitors to the pyramids area to about 5 million visitors annually in a period ranging from two to three years to come, as a first stage.
Sound and light shows will be temporarily closed next October for a period of two months
Butchers pointed out that there are currently discussions with the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities and the Interior to allow the pyramids area to be opened at seven o’clock in the evening, instead of four o’clock; With the aim of allowing more time and preventing congestion at the entry gates.
Regarding the sound and light development project, “Butchers” said that the shows are scheduled to close during next October for a period of two months, indicating that a German company was hired to carry out the development work.
In the context of its commitment to social responsibility, Orascom Pyramids Projects announced its cooperation with the Egyptian “Banati” developmental foundation, which aims to secure and empower girls who are at risk; With the aim of rehabilitating girls psychologically and socially, and providing means of education and safety in order to achieve fair opportunities for them in life within society.
