CAIRO: A number of workers, officials and organizations in the tourism sector are organizing a protest, originally planned to be held at the Pyramids but changed for security reasons, in al-Remaya Square on Friday. The protest aims to defend Egypt's tourism sector against any attempts affecting or impeding the sector's work. Students of tourism and hotel schools in different governorates will also participate in the protest. Chairman of the Tour Guides Syndicate Mohamed Gharieb said they strive to support the private sector, including institutions working in tourism, seeing as it provides so many Egyptians with income. He said Egyptians should protect the tourism industry to protect the future of approximately 16,000 tour guides across the country. He also said security forces refused to allow the protest to be held at the Pyramids due to the consequences such a protest could have on the calmness the area enjoys, negatively affecting tourism. Chairman of the Public Coalition of Tourism and Hotel Workers Abdel Fattah Khattab said the protest was an expression of their refusal of any potential attempts targeting tourism. A number of prominent personalities insisted on participating in the protest as tourism is considered a cornerstone of Egypt's economy, added Khattab.
