Egypt: Tourism holds strong despite regional tensions [Business Africa]
Egypt’s tourism sector continues its strong growth, reaffirming its key role in the country’s economy. In 2025, Egypt welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase compared with 2024. Tourism revenues reached €14.17 billion, more than 20% above pre-pandemic levels.
This growth marks a remarkable recovery after the sharp downturn in 2020, when tourism revenues fell to €3.85 billion, down from €11.6 billion in 2019. Since then, the sector has regained strong momentum.
Authorities expect this upward trend to continue in 2026, with visitor numbers and revenues projected to grow by 5% to 7%. This expansion is largely driven by increased air traffic, including a 32% rise in charter flights, as well as the emergence of new tourist destinations such as El Alamein.
Egypt is also working to diversify its tourism offering by developing cultural, seaside, eco-tourism and wellness tourism. Destinations such as Siwa and the North Coast are attracting a growing number of visitors.
To support this expansion, the country is investing heavily in infrastructure. More than 200,000 new hotel rooms are planned, and Egyptian airports are expected to handle over 50 million passengers, including around 31 million in Cairo.
Despite a volatile regional geopolitical environment, tourism remains a strategic pillar of Egypt’s economy.
This growth marks a remarkable recovery after the sharp downturn in 2020, when tourism revenues fell to €3.85 billion, down from €11.6 billion in 2019. Since then, the sector has regained strong momentum.
Authorities expect this upward trend to continue in 2026, with visitor numbers and revenues projected to grow by 5% to 7%. This expansion is largely driven by increased air traffic, including a 32% rise in charter flights, as well as the emergence of new tourist destinations such as El Alamein.
Egypt is also working to diversify its tourism offering by developing cultural, seaside, eco-tourism and wellness tourism. Destinations such as Siwa and the North Coast are attracting a growing number of visitors.
To support this expansion, the country is investing heavily in infrastructure. More than 200,000 new hotel rooms are planned, and Egyptian airports are expected to handle over 50 million passengers, including around 31 million in Cairo.
Despite a volatile regional geopolitical environment, tourism remains a strategic pillar of Egypt’s economy.