It has often been said that with every action there is often a counter-reaction. Consequently, in a post-Mubarak Egypt, it appears that the Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, is planning to drastically curb what foreign terrorist can and cannot do while in the NEW Egypt. Hence, sunbathing in bikinis and skimpy beach wear could well become a thing of the past, as could the drinking of alcohol in public. There are also indications that the Brotherhood is contemplating modest bathing apparel or separate beaches for men and women.
Needless to say, if such practices become reality, foreign tourists will simply go elsewhere. Even Egyptian tourism executives, who really know the foreign market, have intimated that eliminating drinking and mixed beaches could cost Egypt US$10-12 billion a year.
COMMENT: It is an understatement that tourism in Egypt, particularly where foreign tourists are concerned, has changed dramatically since the Anti-Mubarak protests of thousands earlier in the year. As an example, Muhammad Saad Al-Katatny, secretary general of the Freedom and Justice Party told gathered tourism promoters on August 29 that "We must place regulations on tourists wishing to visit Egypt, which we will announce very soon."
Unfortunately, advocacy for new restrictions on tourists seems to be quickly evolving as opinion polls tend to show that the majority of Egyptians want to see a greater influence of Islamic law on what is acceptable and not acceptable. There are also indications that with elections for Parliament coming this fall, it is entirely possible that Egypt could see its tourism industry, at least for the international community, slowly evaporate.
Even in the short time since Mubarak was unseated from power, international tourism has declined by roughly US2 billion. What the new players in Cairo perhaps have not figured out yet is that a political turning-upside-down of Egypt could abruptly turn off the heavy flow of international foreign assistance from the West. That, coupled with a significant decline in hard currency from foreign tourists, could be devastating to the new regime, depending on who assumes control.
For those that are too young to remember, contemporary Iran began with young people wanting change. What actually happened, though, is that the clerics hijacked the revolution with the end result being Iran today. Sadly, as citizens began to protest in their appetite for more freedom, the West, particularly the US, did not come to their aid.
It is conceivable that foreign tourism to the Muslim Brotherhood could likely mean banning alcohol, having segregated beaches and even requiring a couple wanting to rent a room having to prove they are married. It could also mean the primary adherence to Sharia law.
As has been said before, when there is a demand for dramatic change, be careful of what you ask for.
Needless to say, if such practices become reality, foreign tourists will simply go elsewhere. Even Egyptian tourism executives, who really know the foreign market, have intimated that eliminating drinking and mixed beaches could cost Egypt US$10-12 billion a year.
COMMENT: It is an understatement that tourism in Egypt, particularly where foreign tourists are concerned, has changed dramatically since the Anti-Mubarak protests of thousands earlier in the year. As an example, Muhammad Saad Al-Katatny, secretary general of the Freedom and Justice Party told gathered tourism promoters on August 29 that "We must place regulations on tourists wishing to visit Egypt, which we will announce very soon."
Unfortunately, advocacy for new restrictions on tourists seems to be quickly evolving as opinion polls tend to show that the majority of Egyptians want to see a greater influence of Islamic law on what is acceptable and not acceptable. There are also indications that with elections for Parliament coming this fall, it is entirely possible that Egypt could see its tourism industry, at least for the international community, slowly evaporate.
Even in the short time since Mubarak was unseated from power, international tourism has declined by roughly US2 billion. What the new players in Cairo perhaps have not figured out yet is that a political turning-upside-down of Egypt could abruptly turn off the heavy flow of international foreign assistance from the West. That, coupled with a significant decline in hard currency from foreign tourists, could be devastating to the new regime, depending on who assumes control.
For those that are too young to remember, contemporary Iran began with young people wanting change. What actually happened, though, is that the clerics hijacked the revolution with the end result being Iran today. Sadly, as citizens began to protest in their appetite for more freedom, the West, particularly the US, did not come to their aid.
It is conceivable that foreign tourism to the Muslim Brotherhood could likely mean banning alcohol, having segregated beaches and even requiring a couple wanting to rent a room having to prove they are married. It could also mean the primary adherence to Sharia law.
As has been said before, when there is a demand for dramatic change, be careful of what you ask for.
