Visitor Spending and Employment in Egypt’s Tourism Sector Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Egypt’s travel and tourism sector has made unprecedented economic contributions, with significant growth in visitor spending and employment.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has reported that Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector achieved its highest-ever contribution to the national economy in 2024. According to the WTTC’s Economic Impact Research, conducted with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to Egypt’s GDP, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. This marks a significant milestone for the sector, reflecting its pivotal role in Egypt’s economic framework.

Projections for 2025 and Beyond

The WTTC forecasts that 2025 will set a new record for the sector, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 4.9%. The sector’s share of the national GDP is expected to increase to 8.6%, underscoring its importance in Egypt’s ongoing economic development. This growth trajectory is expected to continue over the next decade, with the sector projected to contribute EGP 2.1 trillion to the national economy by 2035, accounting for 8.4% of GDP.

Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels

In 2024, visitor spending in Egypt reached unprecedented levels. International visitor expenditure rose to EGP 726.9 billion, a 36.1% increase compared to 2019. Domestic visitor spending rose significantly, reaching EGP 449.9 billion, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. These figures highlight the robust recovery and sustained demand for travel in Egypt.

The upward trend in visitor spending is expected to continue in 2025. International visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2 billion, while domestic spending is anticipated to reach EGP 460.6 billion. This continued growth indicates a strong recovery trajectory for Egypt’s tourism sector.

Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels

The tourism sector’s growth has also positively impacted employment. In 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, surpassing the employment levels of 2019. This trend is expected to persist, with employment forecasted to rise to 2.9 million jobs in 2025, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. This growth in employment underscores the sector’s critical role in job creation and economic stability.

Long-Term Growth Prospects

The WTTC anticipates a decade of sustained growth for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, employment in the sector will reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment. International visitor spending is projected to rise to EGP 1.1 trillion, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627 billion. These projections highlight Egypt’s potential to become one of the region’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies, further solidifying its role in the national and regional economic landscape.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the WTTC, commented on the sector’s resurgence, noting the record-breaking economic contributions and increased visitor spending. She emphasized the sector’s dynamism, resilience, and vital role in Egypt’s growth. Simpson highlighted Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and improved connectivity as key factors in attracting global travelers. She also noted that the government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism contributed to the sector’s success.