FJP Pledges to Enhance Egypt’s Tourism and Safeguard Workers Rights

Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Vice President Dr. Essam el Erian, stated that the party completely supports the development of  the tourism industry, describing it as extremely significant and that the party fully understood the demands of the sector’s employees.

During a meeting Sunday with the Tourism Workers Coalition, he asserted that “It is imperative that political differences be disregarded when discussing tourism and that all political forces should work in supporting its growth rather than prioritizing its personal interests.”

He added “There is no entity in Egypt which is against tourism. We all encourage it and appreciate that it is a major source of national income and foreign currency. It is necessary we work towards enhancing the industry, offering better touristic services in order to attract more tourists and in turn encourage investors.”

He stated that the tourism industry should be developed simultaneously with other sectors such as the environment sector, in order to garner tangible results.

“The former regime has failed to protect tourism and the rights of its employees who were under the whim of investors whose sole interests were gaining power.”

He ascertained that the FJP will discuss the tourism workers requirements and forward them to investors and company owners, and will propose and endorse legislations through the coming Parliament to safeguard their rights.

“Egypt owns up to a third of the world’s monuments and it should use this to its advantage in attracting tourists along with promoting health tourism,” he said.

Abdul Fatah Khattab from the Coalition outlined the demands of the employees which included the forming of an independent union to protect their rights, and the drafting of permanent contracts to guarantee their continued employment in the hotels and companies in which they work, and profit sharing with their companies.