- By Ruth Doherty, Dec 13, 2011
· Filed under: Travel News
18 Comments
The Red Sea coast in Egypt has long been a popular destination with Brits looking for a short-haul sunshine getaway.
But Islamist parties calling for a ban on mixed gender sunbathing on its beaches, drinking alcohol and wearing skimpy beachwear could take the sizzle out of the fun in the sun.
Of the 15 million visitors to Egypt every year, 1.4 million are Brits, with 70% of us looking for a break at the beach resorts.
But the Muslim Brotherhood, which won in the first round of parliamentary elections last month, has a vision for a 'sin-free' Sharm el Sheik, a popular Red Sea resort, saying: "Tourists don't need to drink alcohol when they come toEgypt
"They came to see the ancient civilisation, not to drink alcohol."
Another fundamentalist party in the running is Al-Nour, a group of Salafi Muslims who are clear in their objection to alcohol and bikinis.
According to the Daily Mail, they are also unsure whether unmarried couples should be allowed to share the same hotel room.
What's more, influential cleric Yasser Bourhami has called for 'halal tourism' - which includes restrictions on Westerners.
He shared his thoughts with private television network Dream TV, saying: "A five-star hotel with no alcohol, a beach for women - sisters - separated from men in a bay where the two sides can enjoy a vacation for a week without sins."
The tourist industry has already been badly hit by the political unrest in the country, which saw former president Hosni Mubarak ousted from his position.
Tourism accounts for around 10% of Egypt's GDP, and keeps around three million people in employment. But this year visitor numbers dropped by 35% during the unrest, and the total profit from tourism for 2011 is thought to be down a third on previous figures.
But Islamist parties calling for a ban on mixed gender sunbathing on its beaches, drinking alcohol and wearing skimpy beachwear could take the sizzle out of the fun in the sun.
Of the 15 million visitors to Egypt every year, 1.4 million are Brits, with 70% of us looking for a break at the beach resorts.
But the Muslim Brotherhood, which won in the first round of parliamentary elections last month, has a vision for a 'sin-free' Sharm el Sheik, a popular Red Sea resort, saying: "Tourists don't need to drink alcohol when they come to
"They came to see the ancient civilisation, not to drink alcohol."
Another fundamentalist party in the running is Al-Nour, a group of Salafi Muslims who are clear in their objection to alcohol and bikinis.
According to the Daily Mail, they are also unsure whether unmarried couples should be allowed to share the same hotel room.
What's more, influential cleric Yasser Bourhami has called for 'halal tourism' - which includes restrictions on Westerners.
He shared his thoughts with private television network Dream TV, saying: "A five-star hotel with no alcohol, a beach for women - sisters - separated from men in a bay where the two sides can enjoy a vacation for a week without sins."
The tourist industry has already been badly hit by the political unrest in the country, which saw former president Hosni Mubarak ousted from his position.
Tourism accounts for around 10% of Egypt's GDP, and keeps around three million people in employment. But this year visitor numbers dropped by 35% during the unrest, and the total profit from tourism for 2011 is thought to be down a third on previous figures.
Hello friends, its great piece of writing concerning cultureand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my blog :: Elche property
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be
ReplyDeleteon the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they
plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as
defined out the whole thing without having side-effects
, people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get
more. Thanks
Here is my blog ; El Puerto de Santa Maria