Minister of State for Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, is currently in the United States on a lecture tour. During a press conference at the Science Museum in Indianapolis, Hawass invited Americans to visit Egypt, reassuring the public that Egypt is now a safe place for tourism.

Hawass proudly announced that the young Egyptians who instigated the revolution on 25 January are the same ones who protected the Egyptian Museum during the lawlessness on 28 January, when protesters were attacked by policemen and hired thugs. It was a demonstration representative of the passion and care Egyptians hold for their heritage.

Efforts are currently being made to ensure tourists are safe and well looked after at popular sites. The army and police, on behalf of the Egyptian government, are working hard to protect Egypt and all who visit it.

The message is clear, said Hawass: Egypt is now able to welcome tourists. "The country depends on the income from tourism to support essential restoration and preservation projects at museums and sites. New museums will soon open and a number of exciting recent discoveries are to be announced," said Hawass.

Minnesota Public Radio interviewed Hawass live on air for over an hour. He discussed Egypt, the ancient Egyptian civilisation, tourism, new discoveries and new projects. Most phone calls received during the interview inquired about current safety measures, to which Hawass could answer that considerable improvements have been made to national security and the tourist industry.

Hawass has been interviewed by key news agencies such as Fox 19, 700WLW-AM – the number 1 talk show radio station in Cincinnati, Twin Cities Pioneer Press, Star Tribune Newspaper. He is currently in Los Angeles presenting three lectures and several press conferences.