Egypt's President reassures tourists

LUXOR, Egypt — Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi has pledged to support tourism, a move aimed to assuage fears that the rise of an Islamist leader would undermine the country's allure as a major destination for foreigners.

On a visit to the ancient Pharaonic temples of Luxor and Karnak Friday, Morsi told tourists to feel safe. The official state news agency quoted him as saying: "We will exert all efforts so that you enjoy your stay."

Tourism is one of Egypt's main foreign currency earners. It was badly hit by a slowdown in the wake of the popular uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak from the presidency in February 2011.

Since the revolt, proposals by some Islamists to enact stricter rules for visitors or modify monuments they say violate Muslim sensibilities have further driven concerns.

Sourced: huffingtonpost