Landmarks and Legacy: Egypt’s Tourist Triumph
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), data for Egypt’s travel and tourism industry broke all previous records. The largest-ever contribution to the national economy was recorded in 2024, and 2025 is expected to break that record again.
According to WTTC‘s most recent Economic Impact Research (EIR), which was created in partnership with Oxford Economics, the sector accounted for 8.5% of Egypt’s GDP in 2024 and contributed EGP 1.4tn.
With an anticipated yearly rise of 4.9% and an increase in the sector’s share to 8.6% of the national GDP, 2025 is predicted to set a new all-time high. This emphasizes how important travel and tourism are to Egypt’s economic growth.
Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records
2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9 BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9 BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels.
This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2 BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6 BN, maintaining the country’s strong recovery and sustained demand across international and local travel.
Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels
In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs in 2024, 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 2.1 TN 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, highlighting the sector’s critical role in job creation.
Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1 TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627 BN, reflecting Egypt’s potential to become one of the region’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies.
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