Egypt’s tourism industry has marked a significant milestone in 2024, with an unprecedented 15.7 million tourists visiting the country, as announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on January 1. This remarkable achievement underscores the resilience of the sector, which has been gradually recovering after the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s ambitious target of attracting 18 million visitors in 2025 reflects its confidence in sustaining this upward trajectory, driven by strategic investments and high-profile initiatives.
Central to these aspirations is the eagerly awaited official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025. As a monumental addition to Egypt’s cultural and historical landscape, the museum is poised to become a magnet for global tourists. The government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and expanding hotel capacity aims to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. These efforts are coupled with initiatives to elevate the overall visitor experience at Egypt’s iconic sites, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
The post-pandemic recovery of Egypt’s tourism sector has been a steady journey. From a peak of over 13 million visitors in 2019, the numbers plummeted to a mere 3.7 million in 2020 amid global travel restrictions. However, the resilience of the industry became evident in the subsequent years, with 8 million tourists arriving in 2021, followed by 11.7 million in 2022, and 14.9 million in 2023. The record-breaking figures of 2024 not only mark a return to pre-pandemic levels but also surpass them, signaling a robust and promising future for the sector.
The economic impact of this recovery is substantial. According to Mubasher Pulse, the tourism sector generated over $14 billion in revenues during the first 11 months of 2024, a 7.8% year-on-year increase. This growth has been bolstered by a 3.97% rise in tourist arrivals and a 7.8% increase in overnight stays, which totaled 151.3 million nights. The sector’s annual growth rate of 8.2% has made it one of the fastest-growing pillars of Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s overall economic growth rate of 3.5% in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024/2025.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key market for Egyptian tourism, with Saudi tourists spending approximately $1.5 billion in 2024, equivalent to more than 75 billion Egyptian pounds. Saudis accounted for half of all Arab visitors, highlighting the strong tourism ties between the two countries. Other major markets include Germany, England, and Russia, whose citizens have continued to flock to Egypt’s attractions. The exceptional relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, characterized by robust bilateral tourism exchanges, underscores the importance of fostering regional collaborations to sustain growth in the sector.
Experts remain optimistic about the future of Egypt’s tourism, provided that regional stability is maintained. Sameh Saad, former advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Tourism, noted that 2024 marks the second consecutive year of positive growth rates in tourist numbers and overnight stays. This momentum is expected to carry forward into 2025, with the Grand Egyptian Museum serving as a key catalyst for attracting more international visitors.
In addition to welcoming millions of tourists, Egypt has also seen a significant outflow of travelers to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes. Approximately 750,000 Egyptian Umrah pilgrims visited Saudi Arabia last season, alongside half a million other Egyptian visitors. This two-way tourism dynamic further strengthens the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
The Egyptian government’s proactive approach to bolstering the tourism sector aligns with its broader economic development goals. By investing in infrastructure, leveraging cultural assets, and cultivating strong regional and international partnerships, Egypt is well-positioned to sustain its tourism renaissance. As the country looks ahead to 2025, the combination of strategic planning and favorable market conditions could make its ambitious target of 18 million tourists a reality.
The record-breaking achievements of 2024 serve as a testament to the resilience and potential of Egypt’s tourism industry. With continued investments, innovative initiatives, and a focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences, the sector is poised to remain a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth and global appeal.
