Egypt welcomed 19 million tourists in 2025, a sharp 21 percent rise from the previous year, authorities said, marking a robust rebound for one of the country’s most vital economic sectors after years of pandemic- and conflict-related shocks.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the growth far outpaced the global average of around five percent estimated by the World Tourism Organization, highlighting Egypt’s recovery momentum and its appeal in an increasingly competitive travel market.
“This performance reflects Egypt’s competitiveness as a safe destination and the success of our strategy to diversify tourism products while improving the quality of services,” Fathy said in comments released on Saturday.
The surge builds on a steady recovery since the Covid-19 pandemic crippled international travel. Tourist arrivals plunged from around 13 million in 2019 to just 3.7 million in 2020 as borders closed and flights were grounded. Since then, the sector has staged a gradual comeback, with 15.7 million visitors recorded in 2024 before accelerating sharply last year.
Officials also pointed to a strong rebound in air connectivity. Charter flight traffic rose 32 percent in 2025, with tourist flights arriving from 193 cities worldwide, a sign of renewed confidence among tour operators and airlines in Egypt’s destinations.
Egypt’s tourism industry has long been sensitive to external shocks, from political unrest and security incidents to global health crises. But authorities say sustained investment in infrastructure, marketing and product diversification has helped insulate the sector and broaden its appeal beyond traditional beach tourism.
The government has set an ambitious target of attracting 30 million foreign tourists annually by 2028, nearly double pre-pandemic levels. To reach that goal, Cairo is rolling out a package of reforms and investments aimed at easing access, expanding capacity and enhancing visitor experience.
Plans include the modernisation and expansion of airports, particularly in key tourist hubs, and the introduction of an integrated electronic visa system designed to streamline entry procedures and reduce waiting times at borders.
Authorities are also investing in cruise tourism through the construction and upgrading of ports along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, while encouraging private investment in new hotels and resorts to meet rising demand.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, providing millions of jobs directly and indirectly and serving as a critical source of foreign currency. In 2024, the sector generated about $15.3 billion in revenue, according to official figures, helping to support the balance of payments at a time of broader economic pressure.
The strong performance in 2025 comes as Egypt grapples with high inflation, currency pressures and the impact of regional tensions on trade routes, including disruptions in the Red Sea that have weighed on Suez Canal revenues.
Analysts say the resilience of tourism has helped cushion those shocks, providing a steady inflow of dollars and supporting service-sector employment.
Egypt has sought to widen its tourism offering beyond its iconic pyramids and Nile cruises, promoting cultural festivals, desert and eco-tourism, religious tourism and city breaks, while also targeting new source markets in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Officials say safety and security improvements, coupled with aggressive international promotion campaigns, have played a key role in restoring confidence among travellers.
At the same time, competition is intensifying across the Mediterranean and Middle East, with countries racing to capture post-pandemic travel demand. Maintaining growth will require sustained investment and careful management of overcrowding at popular sites, experts warn.
Environmental concerns are also rising, particularly along the Red Sea coast, where rapid resort development has raised questions about sustainability and marine protection.
The government says it is working to balance growth with sustainability, including through regulations aimed at protecting archaeological sites and natural ecosystems while ensuring local communities benefit from tourism revenues.
For now, the latest figures underscore a clear recovery trajectory. With 19 million visitors in 2025 and infrastructure projects under way, Egypt appears on track to reclaim and potentially surpass its pre-pandemic tourism peak.
Whether it can meet its 30-million-visitor target by 2028 will depend on global economic conditions, regional stability and the country’s ability to continue delivering a safe, diverse and high-quality tourism experience.
