The minister, Hisham Zaazou, said the government had “optimistic goals” for the sector, and played down comments from radical Salafi Muslim groups who have called for a ban on alcohol and women wearing swimsuits.
“Bikinis are welcome in Egypt and booze is still being served,” Zaazou, speaking in English, told a news conference during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
“We had talks with these Salafi groups and now they understand the importance of the tourism sector, but still you have some individuals that are not from the leadership saying these things,” added the minister, an independent who is not a member of the ruling Muslim Brotherhood.
Islamist President Mohamed Mursi’s government increased taxes on alcohol in December but backed down after the move was criticized by the tourism sector and by liberals.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member