An Italian tourist accused of beating an Egyptian hotel manager to death in the Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam was referred to criminal court on Tuesday.

According to Egypt's tourism ministry, the deadly assault took place when a heated argument erupted between the tourist and a hotel manager in August.

The manager had warned the tourist and his two children to leave an off-limits construction area in the hotel, the ministry says.

The tourist was arrested and later released on bail of EGP 100,000 (around $5,600) in September after a ruling by a Hurghada court.

According to judicial sources, the public prosecutor has placed a travel ban on the defendant, who has signed an agreement to remain in Egypt and appear before investigating authorities whenever he is summoned.