Egypt summer 2025 sees rise in last-minute travel, leisure spending

The findings, published in Visa’s latest Retail Spend Monitor by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), highlight a marked shift in consumer behaviour, travel preferences, and digital payment adoption across the country.

Travel and leisure lead spending
 

According to the report, summer travel spending rose by 27 percent, with Egyptians opting for both outbound destinations and domestic staycations.

While 78 percent of travellers made last-minute plans within a month, 13 percent planned their trips one to three months in advance, and 9 percent began preparations three months ahead.

Dining and leisure spending saw a notable 57 percent increase, while digital payments by premium cardholders, holders of Visa Signature, Infinite, Platinum, and other high-net-worth cards, jumped by 85 percent, accounting for nearly half (46 percent) of total summer spending.

Short escapes and long getaways
 

Egyptian consumers favoured both short trips (under three days) and extended holidays, with longer getaways representing 66 percent of travel spend.

European destinations such as France, Germany, the UK, and Greece saw a 54 percent rise in short-trip spending.

Outbound travel spending was highest in the UAE, France, Spain, the US, and Italy, with a 28 percent year-on-year increase. Premium cardholders contributed nearly 81 percent of total outbound summer travel spend.

Inbound travel also witnessed strong growth, particularly from premium cardholders in the Middle East, led by the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, whose spending rose by 35 percent.

European visitors from France, Italy, and the Netherlands drove a 139 percent surge in inbound spend.