Recognizing tourism as a cornerstone of economic prosperity, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its tourism sector through the National Tourism Development Strategy. This multifaceted initiative aims to enhance Egypt’s global competitiveness, capitalize on its unique heritage, and position the country as a premier destination for international travelers.
The Egyptian Cabinet’s Media Center recently released a report highlighting significant achievements in the tourism sector. The report showcases a remarkable rise in tourism revenues, which more than doubled to $15.3 billion in 2024 from $7.2 billion in 2014. The influx of tourists surged by 59.6%, reaching 15.8 million in 2024, with a bold goal to attract 30 million tourists by 2032.
Egypt’s ascent on the global tourism stage is further underscored by its leap in the Travel and Tourism Development Index, advancing 22 places to rank 61st in 2024, as reported by the World Economic Forum.
Central to Egypt’s strategy is fostering private sector partnerships and offering investment incentives. The launch of a new Central Bank initiative in October 2024, funded with EGP 50 billion, exemplifies this commitment. This initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, aims to bolster the sector’s financial foundation.
To further stimulate investment, Egypt is creating an investment opportunities bank, which will feature a unified map of 156 tourism investment opportunities available as of January 2025. This endeavor seeks to promote these prospects on both local and international fronts.
Egypt is also reshaping its cultural tourism offerings with the introduction of the Cairo City Break product. This initiative positions Cairo as a standalone destination, showcasing its rich Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic heritage. Moreover, Egypt continues to host significant global events, such as the 12th World Urban Forum and the inaugural African-Egyptian Tourism Forum and Exhibition.
Expanding its market reach, Egypt has diversified its tourism efforts through participation in 33 international exhibitions and 80 familiarization trips during 2023/2024. The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority has launched targeted digital marketing campaigns, including the successful Living 365 campaign directed at Arab and Gulf markets.
In Nile tourism, there are plans to expand the floating hotel capacity to 25,000 rooms by 2030, reviving inactive vessels to accommodate more visitors. Religious tourism is also on the rise with projects like the Revival of the Holy Family Trail and the Great Transfiguration project in Saint Catherine, slated to become a global spiritual hub.
Medical tourism is entering a new era with the signing of an agreement in January 2024 to establish Naya Health Resort, Egypt’s first medical and wellness resort. Yacht tourism has been streamlined with a digital platform facilitating quick approvals, while yacht visitor stays have been extended to three months.
In archaeological tourism, Egypt is revitalizing Historic Cairo, focusing on iconic areas such as Al-Hakim Bi Amr Allah and South Bab Zuweila. Landmark achievements include the trial operation of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s main exhibition halls and the opening of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor.
Egypt’s strategic plan includes developments from Sphinx Airport to Saqqara, enhancing the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum to deliver a world-class visitor experience. This comprehensive approach underscores Egypt’s dedication to nurturing a thriving tourism sector, poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and global standing.
