Egypt's antiquities ministry has announced a 20 percent discount on passes allowing access to archaeological sites around Egypt over the Coptic Christmas period and New Year, and through the month of January.

The discounts, which apply to the Luxor Pass and Annual Visitor Pass, are aimed at encouraging more foreign visitors to visit Egypt and celebrate the feast and New Year at archaeological sites, Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany told Ahram Online.

The move is also intended to lure more Egyptian visitors to archaeological sites, thus helping to boost awareness of their distinguished cultural heritage.

Somaya Benyameen, head of the ministry's financial department, told Ahram Online that the Luxor Pass provides access to all archaeological sites and museums in Luxor for a period of five consecutive days.

Benyameensaid there were two main categories of Luxor Pass, with varying prices for foreign visitors.

One category, including entry to the royal tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I, costs $200 or €180 before the discount, with a student rate of $100 or €90. The second category, which excludes access to the two royal tombs, normally costs $100 or €90, with students paying $50 or €45.

The Annual Visitors Passes, meanwhile, include all open archaeological sites and museums across Egypt, with several options available.

The first is for foreign diplomats and foreigners who work in international and multinational companies in Egypt. With the tombs of Queen Nefertari and King Seti I, this costs before the discount $340 or €310. Without the two royal tombs, the price drops to $240 or €220.

The second option is for foreign residents in Egypt, normally costing $390 or €360 with the two tombs, and $290 pr €260 without them.

Annual passes are also provided for Egyptians and Arab residents in Egypt, costing just EGP 400, or EGP 100 for university students. School pupils and Egyptians over 60 of age are allowed free entry.

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