The recovery is clear: in 2024, Egypt surpassed 15.7 million visitors, generating revenues of around 14 billion dollars and accounting for nearly 8.5% of the national GDP. The sector projects that in 2025 these figures will break new records, with an estimated annual growth of 4.9% and tourism’s contribution expected to reach around 8.6% of GDP.
The outlook is equally positive in the rest of the region. South Africa is enjoying strong demand for safaris and wine tourism in the Cape; Morocco is reporting record hotel occupancy in Marrakech and Casablanca; Mauritius is leading with a surge in luxury tourism, especially among newlyweds; Tanzania is registering a sharp rise in visits to the Serengeti and Zanzibar; and Kenya is seeing increased international arrivals to Nairobi, the coast, and the Maasai Mara. Cyprus, too, has joined this wave, receiving an unprecedented volume of visitors from Europe and the Middle East.
This combination of physical and promotional factors—from marketing campaigns, international fairs, and visa relaxations to major cultural events—is transforming these countries into global tourism hotspots. Egypt, moreover, is banking on flagship projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), whose official opening is scheduled for November 1, 2025, a milestone expected to draw an even greater influx of travelers.
However, this boom is not without its challenges. The area around the Pyramids of Giza, one of the country’s most iconic attractions, is overwhelmed by aggressive street vendors and scams in an environment of tourist overcrowding. In response, the authorities have launched a $51 million revamping plan, including pedestrian access improvements, eco-friendly transportation, and a new visitor center. Still, protests have arisen among camel and horse ride operators, concerned about losing their livelihoods.
From an environmental perspective, activists and local communities are also warning of risks posed by certain initiatives. A notable case is Ras Hankorab beach, in Wadi el-Gemal National Park, where plans to build cabins, a restaurant, and a farm threaten fragile ecosystems—including mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs—putting pressure on the true spirit of eco-tourism.
The Travel and Tour World report paints a picture of Africa and the Middle East enjoying unprecedented tourism growth, with Egypt emerging as one of the most prominent players. While the tourism experience continues to diversify and intensify, it is essential that expansion be accompanied by balanced planning that combines economic development with cultural and environmental preservation. Only then can these destinations sustain this boom and secure their appeal and viability in the long term.
