Tourism will remain important, say Islamic parties in Egypt

Tourism from westerners will remain one of Egypt’s key priorities even if a major Islamic party is voted into office in the upcoming elections, reports BreakingTravelNews.com.

All the major Muslim candidates have been keen to stress the importance of travel to the North African nation amidst fears that religious changes to the way the country is governed could have a negative impact on its ability to draw visitors.

Both the Freedom and Justice Party and the Al-Nur are both said to be committed to exploring ways to improve tourism.
At present travel and tourism accounts for more than ten per cent of Egypt’s gross national product (GDP) and employs one in every eight people.

Indeed, more 15 million holidaymakers visited last year, but its tourism industry is concerned strict Islamic law against things such as alcohol and bikinis could cause numbers to fall dramatically.

Last month ABTA stated that because of the demonstrations in Egypt earlier in the year, a holiday to the country current represent very good value.

Posted by Jamie Manterfield