I think this tour is part of Egypt's public relations offensive, made necessary by 9/11 and the Egyptian plan to attack Israel in the next couple of years.
What happened to the lawsuit they brought demanding that Israel pay them for the damages caused by the Ten Plagues?
Egypt just needs money. They had a similary tour back some years ago, as others mentioned.
I think their tourism is down, because of the situation in the Middle East, and their major industry IS tourism, so this is a way to make up some of their lost revenue.
Plus I am sure it makes Zahi Hawass feel even more important.