Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh named top picks for global travelers in 2025

Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh have landed among the top 15 trending global summer destinations, according to Mastercard Economics Institute’s (MEI) newly released Travel Trends 2025 report. The study spotlights key regional shifts in travel behavior, with wellness, nature, and food-driven tourism leading demand across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region.

 

The report analyzes consumer spending and mobility data to reveal how post-pandemic travelers are seeking more meaningful, experience-based journeys—ranging from eco-retreats and culinary adventures to sports tourism and regional business hubs.

 

Egypt, already known for its heritage and coastal charm, is now seeing renewed momentum from travelers drawn to unique, purpose-led experiences.

 

Highlights from the EEMEA region include:

• Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh have emerged as global travel favorites for summer 2025, affirming Egypt’s role as a leading leisure destination.

• Nature and wellness are reshaping regional tourism dynamics, with African destinations like Namibia and South Africa leading the Wellness Travel Index. Egypt’s Red Sea resorts stand to benefit from this trend, especially among European and Gulf travelers.

• Culinary hotspots are capturing global interest. While Istanbul topped MEI’s list of “globalized foodie cities,” Egypt’s own evolving food scene offers growth potential in the region’s gastronomic tourism boom.

• Intra-regional travel is gaining traction, particularly in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia’s rise as a leisure hub reflects broader interest in accessible regional escapes—a trend Egypt could capitalize on through tourism collaboration and connectivity.

• Business travel patterns are shifting, with companies focusing on destinations within the EEMEA region. Egypt’s improving infrastructure and strategic location position it well to attract more regional business events.

 

“The report shows that while currency movements and global events matter, people are still prioritizing enriching and memorable experiences,” said Khatija Haque, Chief Economist for EEMEA at Mastercard Economics Institute.

 

As Egypt pushes forward with its tourism diversification strategy and sustainable investment in hospitality and green travel, the country is poised to remain a regional travel leader in the years to come.