Page last updated: 19 November 2024
Egypt, renowned for its ancient pyramids and rich history, is a top travel destination that offers a captivating blend of historical wonders and modern attractions.
How many people visit Egypt each year?
Over 14.9 million tourists visited Egypt in 2023.1
- In 2019, Egypt welcomed 13.03 million visitors.
- When the pandemic started in 2020, tourism dropped by 72% to approximately 3.68 million visitors.
- By 2021, Egypt experienced a slight recovery with 7.99 million visitors. However, this was still 38% less than the 2019 figure (pre-pandemic).
- Inbound tourism continued to increase, with 11.72 million visitors in 2022 and 14.9 million visitors in 2023.
How many people visited Egypt in 2024?
- Egypt welcomed over 8 million tourists in the first seven months of 2024, according to CEO Amr El-Kady of the Egyptian Tourism Authority.
How many people visited Egypt in 2023?
- In 2023, Egypt welcomed 14.9 million international visitors. This was a 14% increase compared to the peak pre-pandemic year of 2019.
How much do tourists spend in Egypt every year?
In 2023, international tourists spent $15 billion in Egypt.
- International tourists spent $14.26 billion in Egypt in 2019. This number decreased to $4.87 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions. This dropped further (by 32%) in 2021 to $3.3 billion.
- Egypt started to recover in 2022 with tourism expenditure reaching $10.7 billion.
- International tourism revenue continued to rise with $15 billion being spent in 2023, the highest tourism revenue recorded.
How much did tourists spend in Egypt in 2023?
- Tourists spent $15 billion during their trips to Egypt in 2023. 90% of the revenue was from leisure spending and the other 10% was from business spending.2
- On average, tourist spending per capita amounted to $93 per day.3
Which countries visit Egypt the most?
The leading sources of foreign tourists to Egypt in 2022 were Saudi Arabia, closely followed by Libya, Germany, Israel and Sudan.4
- In 2023, India was the top source of international visitors to Egypt holding a 17% market share.
- Libya also contributed significantly, with 10% tourists closely followed by Germany with 9%.
- Israel and Sudan both account for a 7% share of international visits.
How long do visitors stay in Egypt?
In 2023, tourists spent an average of 9.5 nights in Egypt.
- In 2019, international tourists in Egypt stayed for an average of 10.46 nights, a decrease from 11.62 nights in 2018. Over the observed period, the average length of stay was highest in 2012, at 12 nights.
Economic Impact – Egypt Tourism Statistics
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) report disclosed that the sector’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP surged nearly 24% in 2023 reaching a record £953BN (21% higher than the previous peak).
- Domestic visitor spending increased by almost 9% year-on-year, exceeding E£328.5BN, while international visitor spending experienced a robust 38.5% year-on-year growth, reaching E£470.4BN.
- Employment supported by the sector rose by nearly 10%, totaling over 2.5 million jobs, equating to one in every 12 jobs in Egypt.
- Despite this strong recovery, the sector still lags behind its previous peak job numbers from 2008, when it supported 3.7 million jobs.
Egypt Tourism Statistics – Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Egypt, like many countries worldwide, witnessed a decline in tourist arrivals in 2020 and 2021.
- In 2020, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist visits fell to a record low of 3.68 million, a 72% decrease and striking contrast to previous years. International tourist spending also dropped sharply, totaling just over $4.87 billion.
- Around 7.99 million visits by international tourists were recorded in 2021, a 38% drop from 2019. In 2022, Egypt recovered with 11.72 international visitors.
- The top source markets in 2022 were Saudi Arabia (17%), Libya (10%), and Germany (9%).
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is generally between October and April.
- The weather is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures between 21°C and 30°C (70°F to 86°F), perfect for exploring places like Cairo, Luxor, and the Pyramids.
- December and January are the busiest months, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you’re interested in cultural events, February brings the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, which is a must-see for many visitors.
How many pyramids are in Egypt?
- Egypt is home to at least 118 identified pyramids. These ancient structures were primarily built as tombs for pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods.
- The most famous pyramids are located in Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
How popular is Egypt as a tourist destination?
- Egypt is often referred to as “Umm Al-Dunya” or “Mother of the World” as its cultural heritage has an importance on an international scale.
- Egypt boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and a plethora of jaw-dropping historical destinations.
- As of January 2024, the U.S. ranks 8th among Egypt’s top visitor nations, increasing in tourism from 9th in 2023 with half a million visitors.
Places to visit in Egypt
The National Geographic included Egypt on its list of 25 best tourist destinations for 2023.
Here are some of Egypt’s most popular attractions:
- The Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Sphinx, are Egypt’s most iconic and visited attractions. In 2023, they welcomed over 5 million visitors.
- The Karnak Temple Complex near Luxor is one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world with around 3.2 million visitors in 2023.
- The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, home to the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, attracted approximately 2.8 million visitors in 2023.
- The Cairo Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artefacts, welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2023.
- The Red Sea resort town of Hurghada drew in around 1.9 million tourists in 2023. Tourists were drawn by its beaches, diving, and water sports.
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