Egypt proposes tourist ONLY beaches to open in Alexandria - despite unhappy locals
EGYPT has announced plans to convert private beaches into tourist-only locations in Alexandria to promote overseas tourism to the region. The move has angered locals.
Egypt’s plans to promote tourism in Alexandria, the second biggest city in the country, is to allow a number of beaches to only be open to holidaymakers.
The government’s plans were unveiled by Ali al-Manesterly, the chairman of the Alexandria Chamber of Travel Agencies, according to Al-Moniter.
He explained how the new beaches would “suit the needs of foreign nationalities”.
It would also offer the “privacy that suits their needs”.
However, the move has been met with anger by locals due to the lack of well-maintained beaches for citizens.
Forty-nine-year-old resident Samira Abdel Meguid told the paper that it could cause 'anti-foreign sentiment'
Alexandria-based sociologist Amro Ali called the plans “disturbing” by segregating locals from tourists.
He also added that many of the public beaches not only cost to enter but are “not well-kept” and are “beyond the means of the average Egyptian”.
Forty-nine-year-old resident Samira Abdel Meguid told the paper that it could cause “anti-foreign sentiment”.
The region is hoping to also increase the airport capacity to four million by 2022, three times the current capacity of 1.2 million.
Hotel room numbers could also increase as a push on tourism to Alexandria.
Egypt has suffered from a loss of visitors in recent years thanks to the terrorist attack in 2015.
A Russian jet was destroyed by a bomb above northern Sinai after departing from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, killing all 224 passengers and crew onboard.
The latest attempt to inspire tourism to the region was a new bill that would issue large fines to traders and touts who harassed travellers.
Street vendors at popular landmarks could be charged as much as £400 for breaking the law.
Holiday packages in Egypt are on the rise again, according to Thomas Cook, as many travellers flock to the country for cheap prices and good weather.
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Air travel to Sharm el Sheikh is still advised against following the plane crash, with many UK tour operators not offering flights to the region.
Yet many choose to head to Cairo or Hurghada as a holiday, which are permitted for travel.
The Foreign Office warns that terrorist attacks are still “very likely” with all travel advised against along the border of Israel.
Most visits by British tourists are trouble-free however, and visitors are advised to stay vigilant especially in populated areas and during religious periods.