Egypt kicked off the 8th month-long Tourism and Shopping Festival on Wednesday, the Egyptian Gazette daily reported.

The Ministers of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Supply and Home Trade, as well as the governors of Cairo and Giza governorates attended a press conference to announce the opening of the festival.

The daily said that a large number of private sector companies from Egypt and other Arab countries will participate in the event.

EgyptAir, on this occasion, is offering a 20 percent discount on air-fares for Arab customers, with a 50 percent discount on the weight of baggage.

In related developments, the Sales Tax Authority made early preparation for the festival, easing regulations for tax repayment for tourists leaving Egypt.

The tax offices in many governorates in the country are participating in the festival and will allow tax repayment for goods with a minimum cost of 500 Egypt Pounds (US$73.5).

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2005)