With 319,000 visitors last year, the United States just cracked the top ten list of travelers to Egypt, despite the effects of the global economic crisis and safety concerns.

Tourism was off as much as 14 percent in January, but officials expect the decline to be short-lived because of the treasures Egypt offers.

"We don't compete. There's only one pyramid around the world [sic], even if you have one in Las Vegas," said Egyptian Minister of Tourism Zoheir Garranah.

After several high-profile terrorist attacks in resort areas, and given the fact that Egypt borders Gaza, keeping tourists safe is a priority.

"I have not felt unsafe at all in Africa, especially not in Egypt," said tourist Kelly Glynn. "And I'm planning to travel to St. Catherine's [Monastery] and Mt. Sinai, regardless."

Most of the Americans I ran into are feeling they are receiving an especially warm welcome mainly because of the recent election of President Barack Obama. His history-making turn as the leader of the free world appears to be so far-reaching that it is touching ancient civilizations.

"The Egyptian people, they love Americans very much and you can see this everywhere," said Dr. Zahi Hawass, an Egyptologist.

"Everybody always says 'Obama! Obama! Obama!'" said a tourist.

"I've noticed since I've talked to people that everyone seems to identify with Obama, and I think because we are on an African continent," said another.

The Obama effect did not sit well with one New Yorker though.

"They're making me a little crazy. Everything is 'Obama, Obama.' I mean, he's okay, but I don't see what he means to them. It's annoying," said tourist Gabriel Little.

In this recession, some say its not our 44th president that Egyptians are hailing, but our first.

"They just love our money. Everything is dollar, dollar, dollar," said Little.