The Egyptian parliament has approved a law which allows authorities to fine anyone who harasses tourists “with the intention of begging or promoting, offering or selling a good or service”. The fine, which could reach up to EGP 10,000, was created in an attempt to protect the country’s tourism industry by clamping down on people offering services and selling trinkets to tourists ahead of the summer season. Some officials, however, have suggested the amount is not high enough, many arguing that it should instead be as high as EGP 20000. Former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, speaking on an Egyptian talk show, went one step further, arguing that there should be a prison sentence for “harm[ing] the income of the country.” On the other hand, as reported by The Guardian, there is concern among locals that the law would be harmful to ordinary people trying to support their families – who have already experienced crushing declines in revenue due to the lack of recent tourism. Others are concerned that authorities have no real power to enforce any punishment at most major touristic sites. Locals who spoke with Egyptian Streets during a recent visit…
People Who ‘Harass’ Tourists in Egypt to Be Fined Up to EGP 10,000
April 25, 2018
