About 200 suspected Islamist sympathizers were arrested in Egypt yesterday following Saturday’s terrorist attacks in Cairo as authorities moved to reassure thousands of foreign tourists that Egypt is safe to visit.

The British Foreign Office updated its Egypt travel advice by recording the latest incidents in which a male bomber blew himself up, and two women, his sister and fiancee, committed suicide after shooting at a tourist bus.

“You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners,” the travel advice said.

Egypt earns more than $5 billion a year from tourism.

The attacks served as a reminder that militant Islam remains a force in Egypt. As the country’s pro-Western leader, Hosni Mubarak, comes under pressure to introduce democracy, many political experts predict any free and fair poll would be won by extremists, most likely the Muslim Brotherhood.

Seven tourists were reported to be injured in Saturday’s incidents, which came less than a month after a bomb near Cairo’s popular central bazaar. Two French tourists and an American died in that attack.

The government sought yesterday to play down Saturday’s attacks as “isolated.”

Egypt’s prime minister, Dr. Ahmed Nazif, said the attack did not signal the return of violent Islamist militancy.

“I do not think this will be a pattern in Egypt. I am positive that our society and the security services are able to maintain security and safety,” he said.

In spite of his reassurances, the main tourist sites of Cairo were reported to be quiet, with few tourists venturing out.