Egypt's new Minister for Tourism, Munir Fakhry Abdel Nour, has invited Oprah Winfrey to visit Egypt in an effort to revive tourism in the country. After the uprising in Egypt which ousted President Husni Mubarak, the new government is trying to restore normalcy in the country. The newly appointed Tourism Minister has invited Oprah as well as other international celebrities to visit Egypt. Concerts and events are being planned to take place in Tahrir Square which was earlier the scene of violent protests by pro-dmocracy forces in Egypt.

Tourism accounts for a major share of Egypt's economy and reviving it is a high priority. A large number of people work in the travel sector and have been badly affected by the decine in tourism. Many European tourists have changed their travel plans and are now going to Spain and the Canary Islands. Egypt expects that by inviting celebrities it will be able to give a clear message to tourists that the country is once again safe for travel.

The US talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, hosted her show in Australia in December and attracted a tremendous amount of interest in travel to Australia.