This Arab country wants to fine vendors who annoy tourists

Earlier this week, members of the Egyptian parliament approved a law that bans vendors from pestering tourists, reported The Guardian. 

The sellers, who are usually found near touristic sites like the pyramids, will be fined up to EGP 10,000 ($564) if they are reported to have annoyed those visiting such historical places “with the intention of begging or promoting, offering or selling a good or service.”

Accounting for 12 percent of the total economy, tourism remains the main safety boat for the country.

With a vision to attract more tourists and visitors to the country, the Egyptian government is focused on making sure this important sector continues to flourish.

In a phone interview with Egyptian TV channel DMC, former minister of antiquities Zahi Hawass suggested a fine of EGP 10,000 and a jail sentence would have a stronger impact. 

"People are harming our economy. Tourists are claiming they won't be back again because of harassment and pestering," he said.

As Egypt cannot afford to hinder its economy, policemen will be placed around touristic sites, ready to take action. 

Due to past political instabilities and several other internal issues, Egypt's tourism has been on the line.

2017 still witnessed some good numbers, with 8.3 million tourists arriving in Egypt that year, compared to the 5.4 million in 2016, according to the Oxford Business Group.