Egypt Anticipates Increase in Tourist Numbers by the End of 2024
Egypt is expecting a surge in tourist numbers towards the end of 2024, with authorities highlighting the stability of the tourism sector in various Egyptian locations, particularly in the Red Sea region. The country has become a primary destination for many European tourists, with Germany, Italy, Poland, and Britain among the top countries sending visitors to Egypt.
Mounir Fikry, a member of the Red Sea Tourism Chamber, emphasized the appeal of the Red Sea Governorate, which is known for its enchanting beaches and cities. He stated that Europeans see Egypt as an attractive destination and that the country is high on their list of desirable places to visit. Fikry also suggested facilitating internal flights between Marsa Alam and Luxor, as well as between Hurghada and Luxor, to mitigate the impact of long distances.
However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has had an impact on tourism in Russia, resulting in a decline in the number of Russian tourists visiting Egypt. In the first half of 2024 alone, Hurghada received around 760,000 Russian tourists. Additionally, there has been a decrease in the number of tourists from Scandinavian countries. To counter this, Amjad Al-Nasharati, a tourism expert, urged the relevant authorities to reactivate tourism promotion offices in these countries to attract visitors again. He also emphasized the importance of targeting travelers from African countries such as South Africa and Nigeria, which have shown a significant interest in visiting Dubai and other Arab markets.
Despite the decline in tourists from certain countries, European tourism to the Red Sea region, particularly from Italy, Germany, and Britain, remains robust. Rami Faiz, a member of the Red Sea Hotel Facilities Chamber, reported that hotel occupancy rates in the region ranged from 85 percent to 95 percent in the first half of 2024. This region includes popular tourist destinations such as Hurghada, El-Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, El Quseir, Marsa Alam, and Safaga.
In addition to international tourists, domestic tourism in Egypt has played a significant role in compensating for the decline in foreign visitors. Egyptian tourists have boosted hotel occupancy rates to over 80 percent, demonstrating the resilience of the local tourism industry.
As Egypt looks ahead to the end of 2024, there is optimism that the tourism sector will continue to recover and attract more visitors. The stability of the industry, coupled with the country’s diverse attractions and beautiful beaches, make Egypt an appealing destination for tourists from around the world. By reactivating tourism promotion offices in key markets and targeting emerging markets in Africa, Egypt can further enhance its position as a top tourist destination.
In conclusion, Egypt is expecting an increase in tourist numbers towards the end of 2024, with the Red Sea region remaining a popular choice for European tourists. While there have been declines in visitors from certain countries due to external factors, domestic tourism has helped to compensate for the decrease. By focusing on attracting visitors from new markets and re-engaging with previous markets, Egypt can continue to thrive as a leading tourist destination.