Will the French veil ban hurt tourism?

France's ban on full-face veils for both citizens and tourists goes into effect on 11 April. Do you think it will hurt tourism?

Starting 11 April, it will be illegal in France for any woman, citizen or tourist, to wear a full-faced veil.

That means no niqab in the Louvre, no niqab while shopping in the Marais, no niqab while walking the Champs-Élysées. Although the French law has gotten the most notice, Belgium was actually the first country to enact a ban last April. There are rumbles of similar laws in Italy, but other European countries have largely shot down similar attempts.

With flush countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait accounting for a growing segment of high-rolling travellers, we can’t help but wonder how the controversial new law will affect tourism, especially in a country with Europe’s largest Muslim community.

What do you think? Will France and Belgium’s laws affect your decision to book a vacation in those countries?  And when you’re abroad, how strictly do you adhere to local customs of dress? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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