The socially conservative Muslim Brotherhood might rule Egypt, but the government knows on which side its bread is buttered. 

Egypt’s economy is propped up by tourism, but that has suffered since the unrest in 2011 that toppled Hosni Mubrak from the presidency and the uneasy rule of the Musim Brotherhood after elections.

Tourism minister Hisham Zaazou says Egypt is aiming to boost tourism by 20 percent this year, and he says he knows how to do it.

“Bikinis are welcome in Egypt and booze is still being served,” Zaazou, speaking in English, told a news conference during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Some Islamic organizations were calling for a ban on alcohol and women wearing swimsuits. 

“We had talks with these Salafi groups and now they understand the importance of the tourism sector, but still you have some individuals that are not from the leadership saying these things,” added the minister, an independent who is not a member of the ruling Muslim Brotherhood.