Egypt to Capture Largest Tourism Revenues in North Africa in 2025

          Despite Morocco's Lead in Visitor Number  

 Egypt to Capture Largest Tourism Revenues in North Africa in 2025

A recent report revealed that Egypt leads North African countries in tourism revenues, with a significant increase in the number of incoming tourists. This has strengthened its position as one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the African continent, especially since tourism revenues are one of the most important sources of foreign exchange for the countries concerned.

The website "Africa Le 360" noted the significant growth in the number of tourists arriving in North Africa, which in turn was reflected in increased travel revenues. Total tourism revenues in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia reached approximately $15.06 billion by the end of June 2025, an increase of 19.52% compared to the same period last year.

While Morocco and Egypt were close in the number of incoming tourists, receiving 8.9 and 8.7 million visitors, respectively, by the end of June 2025, Egypt clearly outperformed in terms of tourism revenues, achieving $8.05 billion in tourism revenues.

Tourism revenues in Egypt increased by 22% during the first half of the year, in line with a 25% increase in visitor numbers. Egypt is a tourist destination that combines cultural and historical attractions with beachfront attractions, attracting a diverse range of tourists, including high-spending tourists.

An Expected Record

This demand translates into high hotel occupancy rates, with average occupancy rates in Sharm El-Sheikh hotels exceeding 75%, and even reaching over 90% in some coastal resorts. Tourism is Egypt's third-largest source of foreign currency after export revenues and remittances from Egyptians abroad.

Egypt is expected to set a new record in tourism revenues during the remainder of 2025, likely reaching approximately $18.3 billion, a 9.5% increase compared to 2024. As part of its plan to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030, the Egyptian government has invested approximately $550 billion in infrastructure projects over the past decade to support the investment climate in various sectors, including tourism.

During a lecture titled "Hotel Investment in Egypt" presented to representatives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Hala El Khatib, Executive Director of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, revealed that investments have included the establishment of 20 new cities, most notably the New Administrative Capital, the extension of a 7,000-kilometer road network, and the development of telecommunications services.

She stated that the Egyptian government has allocated the equivalent of $1 billion in soft loans to support the establishment or completion of new hotel projects. She pointed out that hotel investment benefits from a number of incentives, including customs exemptions on equipment, operating facilities, and various tax and investment benefits.