Sin-free Egyptian tourism? Islamist eye bikini and booze ban in Egypt!

Published by johnGilt

December 16, 2011 at 06:20

Tourism might lose its fun in Egypt as there are discussion on banning alcohol, bikinis and mixed bathing.

Egyptians are voting Wednesday in the second-phase of three-round parliamentary elections -- the first since president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February -- that Islamic parties are expected to win hands down.

Much of the buzz has been sparked by calls from the ultra-conservative Salafists, standing under the banner of the Al-Nur party, for tourism that is "halal," a reference to that which is allowed in Islam.

Alcohol, bikinis and mixed bathing would be banned.

"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," influential cleric Yasser Burhami was quoted by The Arabist website as recommending on Sunday.

"The tourist doesn't have to swim with a bikini and harm our youth."
Source: www.google.com

Tourism is Egypt's top foreign currency earner accounting for 10 per cent of national GDP. The sector suffered a lot with the unrest in the country, and it is building back up, the ban might hinder it again.

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Comment by

Hammer

December 16, 2011 at 07:04

Yeah, that will work out well for them. Both Russians and Ukrainians travel to Egypt regularly because it is substantially cheaper than most other holiday destinations, but if suddenly there were rules about swim attire, I know for a fact that the majority would not go. This would cost Egypt substantial amounts of money, but I guess the God Fearing men could care less about money, so long as their peaceful deity isn't upset.

Comment by

Lisa G

December 16, 2011 at 12:49

This is pretty extreme and will hurt the tourist trade. If the extremists are that worried then maybe they should set aside certain beaches that are segregrated and leave the resorts alone. If I was going on vacation you better believe I want to lounge on the beach and go in the water with my man and not a bunch of women I don't know.