The revenue from the tourism sector in Egypt is one third less in 2011 compared to 2010. Representatives of tourism in the country argue that the data is manipulated and the situation of the sector is much more serious. They say hundreds of thousands of refugees from Libya are reported as tourists and this is distorted data.
With the strengthening of the positions of Islamists in the Egyptian Parliament, the question what is the future of tourism in Egypt and whether the tourists need to forget for the bikinis and alcoholic beverages while on holiday in the country of the Pharaohs, becomes more reasonable.
One of the favorite tourist destinations in the world may soon become a totally different look. Tourists in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, however, are silent for now.
If the biggest fears of people in the tourism industry in Egypt become true, the Islamists would prohibit bathing suits and alcohol consumption, and this is unlikely to appreciate many of the guests or visitors of bars and restaurants.
Tourism is a key element in the Egyptian economy. Along with the revenue from Suez Canal, it is the largest source of foreign currency. Without tourism, Sharm el-Sheikh will probably die. Now there live about 30 000 people and livelihood of most of them is connected with the visitors of the resort.
Islamists say they are not against tourism. However, their representatives talk about other type of vacation.
