At the end of June 2012, the Egyptian Central Election Commission announced that Mohammed Morsi was elected head of state. The leader of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood party, previously banned in Egypt, Mursi came to power following a tense struggle in the second round of elections. Residents of Russia express fears that the change of government may negatively affect the tourist vacation in this African country.
At a press conference held in Moscow, Egyptian Ambassador to Russia Alaa Elhadidi tried to allay the fears of Russian tourists associated with the coming to power of a radical Islamist. Mohammed Mursi, after winning the election, terminated his membership in the "Brothers-Islamists" organization, fulfilling his election promises. Independence from the political forces in the country makes it possible for Morsi to call himself "president for all Egyptians."
Earlier in the press there were reports that if the Islamist leader wins the elections, tourists from other countries will face restrictions. They talked about the upcoming division of Egyptian beaches into women and men, a sharp reduction in the sale of alcoholic beverages, and a ban on the appearance of women in public places in open swimsuits. The Egyptian Ambassador assured the journalists that such restrictions would not be introduced in the country, which enjoys stable popularity among tourists from Russia.
Tourism revenues account for over 10% of Egypt's gross domestic product. This sector of the economy employs about half of the country's population. Therefore, no leader will take risks and make decisions that can negatively affect the development of tourism, Alaa Elhadidi said. As an example, the Egyptian ambassador cited Turkey, which, being a Muslim country, did not impose such restrictions on tourists.
Experts note that after the presidential elections, the situation in Egypt is calm, there is no reason for unrest. At the same time, recommendations for tourists not to visit large cities of the country if possible, so as not to become involuntary victims of the confrontation of political groups, remain in force, the likelihood of which cannot be completely ruled out. The safest and still attractive for Russians are the Red Sea resorts.
