Friday, 3 May 2013
Egypt's first 'dry' hotel has been unveiled in the popular Red Sea city of Hurghada,
Les Rois, a 183-room three-star hotel, has been voluntarily alcohol-free since Saturday when it held an official ceremony that involved pouring alcohol away and smashing bottles.
Hurghada, about 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is the second largest city on the Red Sea coast and is very popular with tourists.
In the wake of the proposed licensing restrictions, some tour operators have expressed concern a ban would negatively impact tourism in Egypt.
Les Rois' management hopes the hotel's new alcohol-free status will draw international visitors that are more in keeping with Egypt's Islamic values.
"The idea of launching a hotel without alcohol is not to adhere to any particular movement but rather to provide a new kind of tourism," Yasser Kamal, the owner of the hotel, told MENA (Middle Eastern New Agency).
Kamal added the hotel remains open to all visitors regardless of their religious affinity.
The hotel's website hasn't been updated to reflect the change, saying it still boasts two bars and an English pub.
In addition to the alcohol ban, the hotel has also designated the entire top floor, including a swimming pool, as a female-only area.
The top floor will be patrolled by female security officers.
The hotel has not responded to requests for additional comment.
Les Rois, a 183-room three-star hotel, has been voluntarily alcohol-free since Saturday when it held an official ceremony that involved pouring alcohol away and smashing bottles.
Hurghada, about 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo, is the second largest city on the Red Sea coast and is very popular with tourists.
In the wake of the proposed licensing restrictions, some tour operators have expressed concern a ban would negatively impact tourism in Egypt.
Les Rois' management hopes the hotel's new alcohol-free status will draw international visitors that are more in keeping with Egypt's Islamic values.
"The idea of launching a hotel without alcohol is not to adhere to any particular movement but rather to provide a new kind of tourism," Yasser Kamal, the owner of the hotel, told MENA (Middle Eastern New Agency).
Kamal added the hotel remains open to all visitors regardless of their religious affinity.
The hotel's website hasn't been updated to reflect the change, saying it still boasts two bars and an English pub.
In addition to the alcohol ban, the hotel has also designated the entire top floor, including a swimming pool, as a female-only area.
The top floor will be patrolled by female security officers.
The hotel has not responded to requests for additional comment.
