Egypt’s tourism industry is surging back after a tough few years, with inbound tourism on the rebound and estimates predicting continued accelerated growth for the hot spot.
Egypt’s tourism sector was already struggling to recover from COVID-19 when Israel’s war on Gaza erupted in October 2023. Egypt’s proximity to the conflict led to a sharp decline in tourism.
But data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shows that inbound tourism has increased by a significant 26 per cent from January to May 2025, with 8.7 million tourists visiting the country by mid-year.
A recent report by Egypt’s Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) supports this, citing Fitch Solutions forecasts that estimate 17.76 million tourists will visit Egypt by the end of 2025, rising to 18.56 million in 2026.
In June, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed record-breaking data for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again.
Visitor spending
Tourism revenues in the first half of 2025 amounted to over $12 billion, up 22 per cent from the same period in 2024.
According to WTTC estimates, international tourists will spend around $25 billion by the end of the year, while domestic spending is estimated at $15 billion.
“Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending,” WTTC president & CEO Julia Simpson said. “These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country’s growth.
“With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.”
Hotels
According to Tragento, hotels are on average more than 80 per cent full. Average daily occupancy rate (ADR) in branded hotels jumped from $43 in 2019 to $161 in 2024, while RevPAR grew from $29 to $104, reflecting high demand and the effects of currency depreciation.
The Red Sea is hitting records with occupancy rates of over 90 percent during the summer, while Cairo, Giza and Luxor continue to attract culture lovers. Aswan and Nile cruises remain seasonal hits.
Egypt ranked first in Africa in terms of the number of hotel projects under construction in 2025 with 143 hotels and almost 34,000 rooms under development, compared to 109 hotels and 26,000 rooms in 2023.
Employment
Tourism is once again among the country’s largest employers. The sector supported 2.7 million jobs in 2024, more than before the pre-pandemic peak, and continued hotel openings and growth in visitors will provide new jobs.
This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3 per cent increase compared to 2019.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
After years of delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened its doors at the beginning of November, exactly on the anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. This world-class archaeological landmark redefines how visitors experience the treasures of ancient Egypt, including the complete Tutankhamun collection.
Andrew Young, SVP – TTCTB, joined a select group of top-performing Australian travel agents for an exclusive preview of the Grand Egyptian Museum ahead of its public opening. Hosted by Trafalgar and Insight Vacations’ Egyptology experts, the group explored the sprawling complex, marvelling at the 83-tonne statue of Ramses II and the museum’s extraordinary architecture designed to bridge the past and future of Egyptian culture.
“The Grand Egyptian Museum is nothing short of spectacular – it’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever dreamed of Egypt,” Young said. “With the GEM now open and 2026 shaping up to be a massive year for travel, there’s huge excitement among Australians looking to discover the wonders of ancient civilisation with Trafalgar or Insight Vacations.”
Located right next to the Pyramids of Giza, the GEM will house more than 100,000 artefacts and become a key cultural attraction. It is expected that it will extend the stay of tourists in Cairo and significantly increase the demand for hotel facilities in the surrounding area.
Looking ahead
WTTC and Fitch Solutions forecast a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector.
Fitch projects average annual growth of 5.7 per cent between 2025 and 2029, reaching 20.65 million visitors by 2029.
By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute $68 billion to the national economy, accounting for 8.4 per cent of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5 per cent of total employment.
Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to $36 billion, while domestic spending is forecast to reach $20 billion.
However for now, traveller should still be vigilant when booking holidays to the region. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website continues to advise exercising a high degree of caution when travelling to Egypt, due to the threat of terrorism.
“We also advise do not travel or reconsider your need to travel to several areas of Egypt due to threats including higher risks of terrorism or serious crime – read our advice carefully. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt. Potential targets include religious sites and tourist locations.”
