Egypt’s tourism boom relies on various niche sectors
Egypt, or "Um Al-Dunya" as it is affectionately called, continues to draw visitors from all over the world, thanks to its ancient history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. From the famous Pyramids of Giza to the clear waters of the Red Sea, Egypt's tourism sector is booming in 2025.
The growth is fueled by a record number of visitors, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Even with challenges in the region, Egypt’s combination of ambitious development and timeless charm is establishing it as a leading global destination. Let's explore the trends, initiatives, and challenges that are shaping tourism in Egypt in 2025.
A Record-Breaking Year for Visitors
In 2024, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists, exceeding the previous high of 14.9 million in 2023, according to Minister Sherif Fathy. This 5% increase has cemented Egypt’s status as the second-largest tourist destination in Africa, just behind Morocco. Tourism revenue reached €14 billion in 2024, a significant rise from €6.5 billion a decade prior. In the first half of 2024 alone, there were 7.069 million visitors, a new record for the period, indicating strong growth into 2025.
Ambitious Goals and a Strategic Vision
The Egyptian government aims to attract 30 million tourists each year by 2028, supported by the National Strategy for Tourism Development, which launched in November 2022. This strategy focuses on three key areas: increasing air travel capacity threefold, improving the tourism experience, and encouraging private investment. Tourism is an essential part of the economy, contributing 10-15% to Egypt’s GDP and supporting one in ten jobs, making these efforts crucial for the country's prosperity.
Infrastructure and Sustainable Development
To handle the growing number of tourists, Egypt has expanded its tourism infrastructure. In 2023, the country added 14,209 hotel rooms, bringing the total to 220,000—a 10% increase from 2022. The Ministry of Housing is working to transform the north coast, especially the Sidi Heneish region, into Egypt’s tourism hub by 2025, with half of the new developments being hotels. These projects are designed to be sustainable, integrating residential, hotel, and leisure facilities.
The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Cultural Milestone
One of the key events in 2025 is the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Cairo on July 3. As the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, the GEM will showcase Egypt’s history from ancient times to the Roman era. It was certified as the first green museum in Africa and the Middle East in February 2024, using solar panels and other sustainable technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Along with restored sites like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, the GEM is expected to significantly enhance Egypt’s cultural tourism.