Egypt’s Tourism Sector Posts Record-Breaking Growth in 2025: 15.6 Million Visitors Through October

Cairo, Egypt (TRI) – Egypt’s tourism industry is surging toward another banner year, with official data released today confirming 15.6 million international visitors through October 2025 – a robust 21% increase from the same period last year. The announcement, shared by the Egyptian Tourism Federation during the ongoing Red Sea Tourism Conference in Hurghada, underscores the sector’s resilience amid regional geopolitical tensions and positions Egypt to exceed its ambitious annual target of 18 million arrivals.

The figures, drawn from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, highlight a steady recovery and expansion that began post-pandemic, building on a record 15.8 million visitors in 2024 – a 6% rise from 2023 and 21% above pre-COVID levels. This momentum reflects targeted government strategies, including infrastructure upgrades, diversified marketing, and the long-awaited full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) earlier this month.

Quarterly Breakdown: Consistent Double-Digit Gains

The latest release provides a granular view of 2025’s performance, revealing accelerated growth in the latter half of the year:

• Q1 (January–March): 3.9 million arrivals, up 25% year-on-year, driven by strong European demand despite early regional challenges. This quarter alone propelled Egypt to the 10th spot globally in tourism growth, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with a 21% overall increase outperforming destinations like South Korea and Lithuania.
• H1 (January–June): Approximately 8.7 million visitors, reflecting a 24% surge, fueled by peak winter season bookings to Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, where hotel occupancy exceeded 80%.
• Q3 (July–September): Cumulative arrivals reached 15 million by late September, with an additional 0.6 million in October pushing the total to 15.6 million. Monthly averages hovered at 1.4–1.5 million, bolstered by summer family travel and cultural festivals.

These numbers align with fiscal year 2024/2025 projections (July 2024–June 2025), where the first half alone saw 8.7 million visitors, setting the stage for 17–18 million by year-end. Independent forecasts from Fitch Solutions predict 17.76 million for the full calendar year, rising to 18.56 million in 2026, with average annual growth of 5.7% through 2029.

Revenue and Economic Impact: A $15 Billion Powerhouse

Beyond arrivals, the sector’s financial contributions are equally impressive. Tourism revenues reached $14.4 billion in FY 2023/2024 – a 34.6% jump from the prior year – with $12.5 billion generated in the first nine months of FY 2024/2025, up 14.7% year-on-year. Central Bank of Egypt data shows a further 9% increase to $15.3 billion in 2024, with 2025 on track to surpass this amid higher spending on extended stays (averaging 154 million overnight nights, up 5.5%).

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the industry will contribute EGP 1.4 trillion (about $47 billion) to Egypt’s GDP in 2025 – 8.6% of the national economy and a 4.9% growth from 2024 – supporting 2.9 million jobs, a 22.3% rise since 2019. This economic multiplier effect extends to hospitality, transportation, and retail, with tourism now ranking among Egypt’s top 10 economic drivers.

Top Markets and Emerging Trends

European visitors dominate, comprising over 50% of arrivals. Germany leads, followed by Russia, Italy, the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, Spain, Poland, and emerging sources like the US (500,000+ in 2024, up from 9th to 8th globally). Gen Z and millennial travelers are prioritizing immersive experiences: 70% seek cultural sites like the Pyramids of Giza (14.7 million annual visits) and Nile cruises, while 40% favor sustainable options such as eco-diving in the Red Sea.

Key trends include:

• Digital Transformation: AI-driven campaigns and AR experiences via “Project Revival” with Meta are boosting bookings by 15–20%.
• Sustainability Focus: Over 42,960 workers trained in green practices in 2024, aligning with global demands for low-carbon hotels and protected sites.
• Event-Driven Boost: The GEM’s November opening is projected to triple daily visitors to 15,000–18,000, adding 5 million annually and enhancing cultural tourism. Hosting the 2025 Africa Tourism Expo further amplifies Africa’s 10% regional growth, with Egypt leading at 21%.

Expert Insights and Government Strategy

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the data as “proof of Egypt’s enduring appeal,” crediting visa facilitations, 33 international expos, and 80+ familiarization trips. Ehab Abdel-Aal, Treasurer of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, emphasized European partnerships, noting, “Germany’s focus on quality and culture aligns perfectly with our offerings.”

The government’s “Vision 2028” roadmap includes EGP 50 billion in hotel incentives and a unified investment map with 156 opportunities. WTTC President Julia Simpson added, “Egypt’s resurgence is dynamic and vital, captivating global travelers through heritage and connectivity.”

Challenges and Outlook

While growth defies headwinds like Middle East conflicts, experts warn of over-reliance on seasonal peaks and call for diversified markets beyond Europe (e.g., Asia via improved flights). UNWTO forecasts 3–5% global tourism expansion in 2025, with Egypt poised to outpace this at 14%+.

In summary, today’s release cements Egypt’s status as Africa’s top destination and a global growth leader. With two months left, surpassing 18 million visitors seems inevitable, injecting vital foreign exchange and jobs into the economy.