CAIRO: Egypt's tourism industry is already suffering from an estimated 30 percent decrease this year due to political uncertainties in the aftermath of the January 25 Revolution, but a leading tourism official says the Emergency Laws will help boost travel to the country. “Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF)'s decision to apply the Law of Emergency is a positive step to regain security and stability in Egypt. Tourism will consequentially reactivate gradually,” said Kamel Mansour, the head of Chamber of Tourist Facilities in Central and Northern Delta. Despite hopeful growth in tourism, Emergency Laws may have a negative effect on the country's economy. In September the SCAF widened the emergency law to include “narcotics, terrorism, strikes, traffic disruption and the spreading of rumors.” Efforts to control out bursts in Egypt may detract tourism from the West due to lack of human rights and fear of local unrest. Samy Mahmoud warned local press of the poor security situation in the country and said that the Emergency Law, which has been reactivated by the government, “will not have a positive impact.” Situations like the Israeli Embassy attack and the Giza Security Directorate, which caused a fire, both will have negative impacts on the tourism industry. In 2008, tourism to Egypt brought in some $11 billion and 12.8 million visitors, making it one of the largest sources of income for the North African country, the tourism ministry has reported. The economy is projected to have a growth of 3-3.5 percent in the 2011-12 fiscal year. Only time will tell how the emergency law will affect future tourism. International Day in Aswan is September 27. “The festival will help activate tourism in Egypt” Mansour added. BM
