Egypt tourism surges 24% in first half of 2025 as regional tensions ease

Egypt welcomed 8.7 million tourists in the first half of 2025. This represented a 24% jump from the same period last year. Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the surge reflects a rebound in global travel demand. The country also reaped the benefit of easing geopolitical tensions after violence emerged in the Middle East in June.

The rise puts Egypt on track to meet the government’s goal of attracting 18 million visitors by year-end, a 14% growth target set by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in January. Tourism remains one of Egypt’s most important sources of foreign revenue, generating a record $15.3 billion in 2024, according to Central Bank data.

Much of the momentum comes from Red Sea resorts and Nile cruises. They contributed to a 25% increase in arrivals during the first quarter. To sustain growth, the government launched a USD 1.03 billion (EGP50 billion) program in late 2024 to expand hotel capacity. It also offers low-interest loans to tourism operators.

Emergence of the North Coast as a luxury seaside destination

The North Coast has emerged as a centerpiece of these efforts. During the opening of the Palace Beach Resort Marassi, a USD186 million investment by Emaar Misr, Madbouly stressed the region’s potential as a global luxury hub. The property, featuring 87 rooms, 31 villas, and a wide range of upscale amenities, is part of Emaar’s 18-year expansion in Marassi.

Private and state-backed mega-projects are reshaping the coast. Talaat Moustafa Group is building the $21 billion SouthMED, while Abu Dhabi’s ADQ is behind the $35 billion Ras El Hekma project. Both developments aim to create year-round tourist destinations with luxury resorts, marinas, airports, and urban infrastructure.

To reach a target of 10 million visitors on the North Coast alone, Egypt effectively needs about 60,000 new hotel rooms. Compared to only around 3,000 at present.

Broader national plans call for adding 200,000 hotel rooms within five years to support 30 million tourists annually, with the North Coast central to the strategy.

Authorities are also working to diversify the tourism model. Beyond beach resorts, Egypt is promoting conference and educational tourism in Alamein, therapeutic tourism in Siwa Oasis, and charter flights aimed at longer stays. Sustainability is part of the push, with New Alamein being developed under environmental resilience and governance frameworks.

With arrivals surging, investments accelerating, and new destinations coming online, officials say Egypt is positioning itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.