Amid the predominant worry and confusion surrounding Egypt’s political and social future, as well as the current breakdown in security, comes the media discourse voiced by the Islamist currents on the issue of tourism. This discourse
Amid the predominant worry and confusion surrounding Egypt’s political and social future, as well as the current breakdown in security, comes the media discourse voiced by the Islamist currents on the issue of tourism. This discourse, compounded by Salafi fatwas (religious edicts) prohibiting certain tourism-related activities, has sent shock waves through the industry.
The confusion is accented by fears of the collapse of a sector considered among the key pillars of Egyptian national income. Before the 25 January 2011 Revolution, tourism used to inject some EGP300 billion a year into the economy—some 17 per cent of the then GDP—and provide direct and indirect employment for more than 15 million Egyptians. Yet the opinions voiced by the different Islamic powers on tourism are leaving the fate of the industry unclear.
Beachwear ‘un-Islamic’
The Islamists hold a parliamentary majority and will consequently control legislation. As the views of Egyptian tourism experts conflict with those of Islamist parties, tourism finds itself on the horns of a dilemma. The only way forward is to establish a constructive dialogue around the future of tourism, in which Islamists would respect the expertise of the tourism industry. If Egypt is to avoid additional damage to an already sagging economy, the tourism issue must be handled in a manner based on realistic and impartial conceptions rather than the specific opinions of a particular party.
Before he was elected Speaker of the People’s Assembly, MB leader Saad al-Katatni’s addressed the “coalition of tourism support” on the MB perspective of tourism in Egypt. His view was rejected by industry experts, who say it brings to light the MB’s ignorance of the dynamics of international tourism and marginalises the potential role tourism can play in the recovery of the Egyptian economy.
According to the head of the Egyptian Tourist Guides Syndicate Moatazz al-Sayed, the plans and perceptions of the MB are unrealistic. Beach tourism which the MB wish to eliminate on grounds that beachwear is ‘un-Islamic’, as is the gender-mixing involved in beach community, represents more than EGP200 billion in investments and is indispensable to the economy. Sports tourism, which is acceptable to the MB, will cost billions in bidding to host events alone. Neither can medical tourism substitute beach tourism; Egyptian medical facilities are more often than not sub-international-standard, and this type of tourism is offered elsewhere at more competitive prices.
Quick potential recovery
Tourism workers have vowed they will not remain silent if their livelihood is threatened. Mr Sayed is planning a meeting between tourism experts and officials of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP, the MB’s political arm) to attempt to establish a comprehensive vision for its future.
Elhami al-Zayat, chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, says the first action the majority party must take is to issue a media statement to calm the fears of tourism workers in Egypt and abroad. Tourism has nearly ground to a halt since January 2012, he says, as he wonders how the MB can compensate for the loss to Egypt’s national income from any source other than tourism.
On the same note Walid al-Batouti, vice-president of the Egypt General Tourist Guides Syndicate, explains that politicians and economists need many years to establish solid recovery plans for the fields of agriculture and manufacturing after a period of plummeting economy, whereas tourism is the only field that can recover quickly as soon as things fall back into order.
Nonetheless, the tourism industry, which already has problems, cannot withstand the conflicting statements of politicians. The cost to the sector amounts to billions with every passing day.
As gloomy as the current situation may seem, Mr Batouti believes that resuscitating the dying sector is still possible. With tourism infrastructure and facilities already existing, demands on Egyptian tourism can be boosted merely by restoring security, restructuring, and adopting modern marketing strategies. Prices can be raised once demand rises, and some USD70 billion can be gained in the short term. The Supreme Council of Tourism must be reactivated as the sole body responsible for tourism-related problems.
“Perfect understanding”
MB hardliners remain intransigent. Hazem Shawqi, head of the FJP’s tourism committee, says his party has not only political expertise but also the capability of organisation and management. It also, he says, has the advantage of being close to the average citizen, including those working in the tourism sector, and it understands perfectly the importance of tourism to their livelihood. He denies that the party has ever been hostile to tourism and says it never will be.
Mr Shawqi says the role of the FJP’s tourism committee is to establish future programmes and work on their implementation. Contrary to what tourism experts may think, the FJP has a comprehensive view of the tourism industry that takes into consideration political and social issues and focuses on the restoration of security which is a must for a tourism comeback.
Attracting international tourists requires a high level of professionalism, because tourism is not only about inviting tourists to Egypt for financial purposes, but a social and strategic dimension is also involved which enhances relations between Egypt and the international community.
Mr Shawqi says his party is working to establish an elaborate plan for tourism focusing on new sectors such as therapeutic and sports tourism, hosting the Olympics and eco-tourism, as well as reaching new markets such as Turkey, Iran and Tunisia. Beach tourism will not be abolished unless a unanimous decision is taken in conjunction with tourism experts.
As expected, the Salafis want a more conservative approach to tourism. Al-Nour Party spokesman Nader Bakar says tourism in Egypt must be restructured according to a remedial programme adhering to society’s values and customs. Tourism must therefore become free of all sin, especially alcohol. Hotels will be banned from selling or serving alcohol, but non-Muslims may be allowed to drink it in the privacy of their rooms.
Watani International
19 February 2012