Egypt's tourism boom in 2025: Hotels full, new museums and record visitor increase
Tourism in Egypt in 2025 is experiencing a strong comeback and accelerated growth. Since January, the country has recorded a 23–24 percent increase in international arrivals. Hotels are, on average, over 80 percent full, while popular Red Sea destinations like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are almost completely sold out during peak weeks. Cairo and Giza continue to attract a large number of visitors thanks to their rich cultural offerings.
Record tourist revenues and expenditure
Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shows that inbound tourism increased by 26 per cent from January to May 2025, with 8.7 million tourists visiting the country by mid-year. This puts Egypt on track for a record year.
Tourism revenues in the first half of 2025 amounted to 8 billion US dollars, which is 22 percent more than in the same period in 2024. According to WTTC estimates, international tourists will spend around by the end of the year 768 billion EGP, while domestic consumption is estimated at EGP 460 billion.
The increase in revenue is also clearly visible in the hotel segment. The average daily room rate (ADR) in branded hotels jumped from EGP 1,328 in 2019 to EGP 4,965 in 2024, while RevPAR rose from EGP 888 to EGP 3,203, reflecting high demand and the effects of currency depreciation.
Expansion of hotel capacities
Egypt in 2025 occupied First place in Africa According to the number of hotel projects under construction. Development is ongoing 143 hotels with almost 34,000 rooms, compared to 109 hotels and 26,000 rooms in 2023.
The country's hotel capacity already exceeded 210,000 rooms in 1,750 establishments in 2021. Investments are most pronounced in resort regions, but Cairo and Giza are also seeing significant growth due to their proximity to cultural attractions and the expected opening Great Egyptian Museum (GEM).
The Grand Egyptian Museum – A New Cultural Icon
After years of delays, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens its doors on November 1st, 2025, while the public will be able to enter from November 4th, exactly on the anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Located right next to the Giza pyramids, the GEM will house more than 100,000 artefacts This is a key cultural attraction. It is expected to extend tourist stays in Cairo and significantly increase demand for hotel capacity in the surrounding area.
Where do tourists come from?
The largest number of visitors comes from Germany, Italy, Russia, but also from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. More favourable visa regulations, including five-year tourist visas and the expansion of visa-on-arrival possibilities further facilitate entry.
The Red Sea is recording record occupancy levels of over 90 percent during the summer, while Cairo, Giza and Luxor continue to attract culture enthusiasts. Aswan and Nile cruises remain seasonal hits.
Challenges and security issues
Despite strong growth, challenges remain. The tourist submarine accident in the Red Sea in March 2025, which resulted in six fatalities, is particularly noteworthy. The incident raised questions about safety standards and reminded the industry that sustainable growth requires strict quality and safety control.
Tourism is once again among the country's largest employers. The sector supported in 2024 2.7 million jobs, more than before the pandemic, and further hotel openings and visitor growth will secure new jobs.
Egypt is on an upward trajectory in 2025 – tourist numbers are growing, revenues are increasing strongly, infrastructure is expanding, and Grand Egyptian Museum This has brought global media attention. All of this strengthens Egypt's position as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Middle East and Africa.
