International tourism witnessed remarkable growth in 2025, reflecting the strength of global travel demand.
The number of international tourist arrivals increased by four percent compared to 2024, according to the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
This positive performance comes at a time when Egypt has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations globally, achieving a significant increase in both tourist numbers and tourism revenues.
According to the World Tourism Barometer, Egypt recorded a 20 percent growth in international tourist arrivals in 2025, topping the list of destinations that achieved strong growth rates, alongside Brazil (+37 percent), Morocco (+14 percent), and Seychelles (+13 percent).
This performance confirms the success of Egypt’s tourism policies, its improved reputation as a tourist destination, the expansion of direct and charter flight programs, and the diversification of Egyptian tourism products – encompassing cultural, beach, religious, and medical tourism.
The 2025 results reflect the return of international tourism to its normal trajectory, approaching the average annual growth rate of five percent achieved between 2009 and 2019.
Africa leads strong global demand
This performance was supported by strong global travel demand, the outstanding performance of key source markets, the gradual recovery of Asia-Pacific destinations, improved air connectivity, and visa facilitation in a large number of countries.
According to the United Nations Tourism Organization, Africa recorded the strongest regional performance in 2025, with international tourist arrivals reaching approximately 81 million, an eight percent increase compared to 2024.
North Africa led the way with robust growth of 11 percent, driven primarily by the exceptional performance of both Egypt and Morocco.
Egypt was among the fastest-growing countries in tourism revenue, and this strong performance in tourist numbers was reflected in international tourism earnings.
Egypt recorded a 17 percent growth in tourism revenue in 2025 in local currency, placing it among the top destinations where revenue growth sometimes exceeded the growth rate of arrivals – reflecting a rise in average tourist spending.
Despite this optimism, geopolitical tensions, rising travel costs, and inflation in tourism services remain among the most significant potential challenges.
However, current indicators confirm that global tourism—with Egypt at its heart—is on a path of sustainable growth in the coming years.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
