In Egypt, they note the revival of the tourism business: what the numbers say

Last year was a very successful year for Egypt's tourism industry, as the country received 14.9 million foreign visitors. Growth in international travel continues.

Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, says that the number of tourists increased by 6% in the first seven weeks of 2024. This is lower than the ministry's projected growth of 20% for the year, which would ultimately mean 18 million visitors annually, as reported by The Kansas City Star.

Egypt's tourism revenue reached $13.6 billion in the fiscal year ending July 2023, up 27% from the previous year. This increase is also attributed to a 60% rise in US tourist inquiries in January 2024 compared to September 2023, with particular interest in Nile cruises towards the end of the year.

Meanwhile, according to a sentiment analysis by the Spanish travel intelligence company Mabrian Technologies, Egypt's safety index has reached 86 out of 100 in recent weeks, reflecting how foreign visitors describe their experiences on social media. This marks an improvement from 68.9 in mid-December 2023, although still below the pre-war level of 92.4 in September 2023.

In this regard, Egypt surpasses its regional competitors: according to Mabrian Technologies, tourist safety perceptions were lower in Turkey (84), Jordan (83.6), and Qatar (81.6) during the same period in February 2024.

Travelers are advised that now may be an opportune time to visit Egypt to avoid crowds and secure great deals, as hotel prices are 18-25% lower than usual. In 2019, tourism contributed at least 9% to Egypt's gross domestic product and employed 2.4 million people. Visitors will also witness numerous improvements across the country.

According to official figures, Egypt has allocated 22% of its GDP to infrastructure development over the past seven years. The country is striving to attract 30 million visitors by 2028, with a focus on increasing the number of luxury hotel rooms to accommodate high-spending visitors. Recently, a $35 billion deal was signed with the UAE for the development of Ras Al Khekma Beach, located about four hours northwest of Cairo, into a luxury resort that will attract significant hotel investment.

Additionally, tourists in Egypt can expect a wider deployment of electric buses stopping near the nine sites in the Giza Pyramid Complex; several new restaurants have also opened in the Giza complex over the past three years. A few miles away, the highly anticipated Great Egyptian Museum is set to fully open this year.

Meanwhile, renovations are underway at five other archaeological sites as part of a plan to encourage short-distance visitors. Restoration work on the 500-year-old Ottoman mosque and the palace of Muhammad Ali, who ruled Egypt in the early 19th century, is also in progress. This is in addition to the two restored towers that are now open to visitors in the Cairo Citadel.

The article suggests that the safest approach for travelers heading to Egypt this year is to rely on experts for planning, who can provide advice or make itinerary changes if the situation suddenly shifts.

Is it safe for British citizens to travel to Egypt now? Read the latest recommendations from TravelWise.