According to UNWTO data, Egypt emerged as Africa’s leading tourism earner in 2023, generating approximately $14 billion in revenue. Morocco followed with $10 billion, South Africa with $5.7 billion, and Tanzania with $3.4 billion. Other notable countries in the rankings include Tunisia ($2.6 billion), Uganda ($1.3 billion), Ethiopia ($1.1 billion), and Kenya and Ghana, each earning about $1 billion.
Egypt Among Top Arab Destinations
Egypt also ranked third among Arab nations for tourist numbers, attracting roughly 14.9 million visitors in 2023. The United Arab Emirates led with 28 million tourists, followed by Saudi Arabia with 27 million. Egypt was closely followed by Morocco (14.5 million visitors), Tunisia (9.4 million), and Jordan (5.4 million).
Promising Growth in 2024
The UNWTO barometer indicates a strong performance for Egypt in 2024, with international tourist arrivals increasing by over 5% compared to the previous year. This growth, despite regional geopolitical tensions, reflects a resurgence in tourist flows from key markets in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., as well as a notable rise in visitors from neighboring Arab countries.
Amr El-Kady, President of the General Body for Tourism Promotion (ETA), reported that Egypt welcomed over 8 million tourists in the first seven months of 2024. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities projects that total arrivals could reach 15.3 million by the year’s end, marking a 5% annual growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Egypt’s tourism sector is thriving, it faces challenges such as rising competition from emerging destinations, sustainable management of its iconic sites, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. Experts emphasize the importance of developing environmentally and community-conscious tourism practices to ensure long-term success.
Additionally, global economic fluctuations and rising airfare prices pose risks to tourism flows. However, the sector’s resilience remains promising. Tourism significantly contributes to Egypt’s GDP and provides livelihoods for millions.
Economic and Workforce Impact
The rise in tourist numbers has driven foreign exchange earnings and created jobs across hospitality, transportation, and dining sectors. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has intensified workforce training to meet the growing demand for high-quality services. Enhanced transportation infrastructure and improved hospitality standards are also helping Egypt meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding global clientele.
