24 Jun Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. 

Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector’s share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt’s continued economic development.

Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records

2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels.

This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country’s strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel.

Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels

In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. 

This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country’s growth.

“With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.”

A Decade of Growth

WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector.

By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector’s critical role in job creation.

Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt’s potential to become one of the region’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies.