Egypt, for its part, posted an even sharper rise, with a 21% increase in tourist numbers, reaching close to 19 million visitors during 2025, according to official figures. This significant growth in demand is connected both to Egypt’s historical and cultural appeal and to newer tourism propositions, including the opening of major cultural and museum projects. A particularly emblematic example is the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza, inaugurated recently after decades of construction and designed as a catalyst to attract cultural visitors with higher spending potential.
The momentum in these two countries also reflects a broader recovery of the tourism industry across Africa, where the northern part of the continent has consolidated itself as a consistent magnet for international travelers. A mix of cultural, historical, sporting, and entertainment elements has helped diversify the tourism offer, allowing Morocco and Egypt not only to compete with each other, but also to elevate the continent’s profile as a destination of global relevance.
Morocco’s expansion as a tourism hub includes a proactive focus on modernizing infrastructure and improving visitor experiences across multiple regions. Product diversification—ranging from imperial cities and the urban energy of Casablanca and Marrakech to sun-and-sea destinations such as Agadir—has enabled the country to attract a broad spectrum of travelers, including emerging markets from Asia and the Americas. In addition, a calendar of international events, including the success of major continental sporting competitions, has added further value to Morocco’s positioning within global travel circuits.
Egypt, meanwhile, has reinforced its appeal through a strong combination of archaeological tourism, Nile cruises, and getaways to Red Sea resorts. The sector has also been supported by public policies aimed at boosting competitiveness in both traditional and emerging source markets, alongside incentives to improve hotel and airport infrastructure. In parallel, perceptions of Egypt as a safe and accessible destination have helped restore tourism flows after previous periods of volatility in the region.
The economic impact of this tourism surge goes beyond arrival numbers. In both countries, tourism contributes significantly to job creation, foreign-currency earnings, and the development of connected sectors such as restaurants, handicrafts, transport, and cultural services. In Morocco, for example, tourism represents a meaningful share of GDP and is projected as a key engine for sustained economic growth. Egypt continues to work to consolidate tourism as one of the pillars of its economy, with ambitious medium-term expansion targets.
The upward trend seen in 2025 for Morocco and Egypt not only reshapes Africa’s tourism map, but also points to a promising future for the continent as a whole. Product diversification, better connectivity, and the added value of cultural and historical experiences position the region as a reference point for global travelers, marking a turning point in how Africa is perceived as a competitive destination.
The records achieved by Morocco and Egypt in 2025 underline the strength with which Africa’s tourism industry is recovering and innovating. Both countries demonstrate how a blend of strategic investment, smart promotion, and outstanding heritage can translate into tangible, sustained growth in international tourism.
