- Egypt expects 18.6m tourists in 2026
- Growth through 2029
- Recovered from Covid-19 restrictions
Egypt’s tourism industry expects growth next year as the government unveils new initiatives and projects to stimulate the sector.
Tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 18.6 million in 2026, up 4.6 percent year on year, the Egyptian cabinet said, citing a report by the Fitch ratings agency.
Growth is expected to continue through 2029, averaging 5.8 percent annually, driving visitor numbers to 20.8 million.
Fitch said Egypt’s tourism sector has fully rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pandemic restrictions had led to arrivals plunging to 3.7 million in 2020 from 13 million in 2019. Arrivals in 2022 recorded a 47 percent rise to 11.7 million while 2023 numbers jumped 27 percent, surpassing 2019 levels by 114 percent.
The country received 15 million tourists in the first nine months of 2025, a 21 percent year-on-year increase, putting it on course to achieve its year-end target of 18 million. This month, the country opened the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyramids.
Continued investment by global hospitality brands in Red Sea luxury resorts and government initiatives to expand airports, streamline visas and boost connectivity are expected to drive the gains.
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European arrivals are expected to reach 10.2 million next year, rising from 8.4 million before the pandemic, reinforcing Europe’s position as Egypt’s largest source market in the short to medium term.
Tourism revenues are set to hit $17.8 billion in 2026, up 4.2 percent year on year, and rise further to $19 billion by 2029, at an average annual rate of 3.3 percent.
Outbound travel from Egypt is projected to increase, reaching 4.9 million trips in 2026 and 5.2 million by 2029.
Most trips are expected to target Middle East destinations due to affordability, strong trade and family links, as well as travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the statement said.