Egypt denies dress code plans for tourists

The Egyptian Embassy in Moscow has denied media reports that residents of Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort, have demanded that foreign tourists be subject to a dress code. "This is not true and this issue has not been considered," an embassy representative said in a statement carried by Russian RIA Novosti news agency Thursday. Some Russian media reported on Wednesday that Hurghada residents have demanded that tourists be forbidden from wearing shorts, swimsuits and miniskirts in the city's streets. "This is a stupid and unbelievable story," she said, adding that Hurghada and other Egyptian resorts have recently started recovering after the political crisis. The Egyptian tourist industry lost over $1 billion during the nationwide tumult that brought President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule to an end. In early April, Russian tourists were allowed to return to Egyptian resorts. Tourism accounts for more than 11% of Egypt's GDP, 40% of the country's non-commodity exports, and over 19% of foreign currency revenues. Over 10% of Egypt's labour force is employed in the tourism industry. About 14 million people visit Egypt annually.