Reasons for Record Tourism in Egypt

When it comes to tourism, 2023 is expected to be a big year for Egypt. The country has already welcomed over 7 million tourists into the country, and it shows no sign of slowing down, as this number is expected to hit 15 million by the end of 2023. This is a drastic increase from the 11.7 million visitors that arrived in 2022. While Egypt is known for vibrant cities, ancient landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes, those aren't the only things attracting tourists.

1. It's Affordable

Egypt has always been an attractive country for budget travelers. But it's becoming even more affordable as the value of the Egyptian Pound slowly plummets. It has depreciated more than 20% since the start of the year. For this reason, travelers can take advantage of the low prices, which are far cheaper compared to many popular Western countries and vacation destinations. According to BudgetYourTrip.com, the average cost of a one-week trip clocks in at just $181 per person (flights not included).

2. There is a 5-Year Visa

Egypt recently introduced a 5-year multiple-entry visa for foreigners, making it easier than ever for tourists and digital nomads to visit. Citizens from 180 countries (including the US, UK, and Canada) can stay for up to 90 days at a time, although they can enter and leave the country as many times as they want. These nationalities previously could enter as a tourist on a 30-day visa on arrival. However, a Egypt 5-year multiple-entryvisa option is more enticing for those who want to explore the country in more depth.

3. It's More Credit Card-Friendly

In a country that has historically been cash-only (only 2% of transactions in 2018 were with cards), it is becoming increasingly more common in Egypt to use credit cards to pay for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Even the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities now uses a cashless system for ticketing. That means you can now use your bank card to purchase tickets to popular attractions, like the pyramids, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Salah Eddin al-Ayyubi Citadel.

4. There are Nile Cruises

After the 2022 blockbuster Death on the Nile, more travelers are eager to set sail down Africa's longest river. While there are many cruise options, the brand-new Viking Anton is one of the newest and most luxurious boats to open in 2023. The 12-day trip (which is owned and operated by Viking River Cruises), is a round-trip exploration that visits Cairo, Luxor, Qena, Esna, Aswan, Edfu, and more. It's a great experience to see ancient and modern Egypt all at once.

5. The Grand Egyptian Museum is Opening

The Grand Egyptian Museum is slated to open at the end of the year, at which it will become the largest archaeological museum complex in the world. It will contain over 100,000 artifacts, including King Tutankhamun's entire treasure collection. The museum is currently being built in Giza, approximately 1.2 miles from the iconic Giza pyramids.

6. It's Safe

Despite the US Department of State's Level 3 warning for Egypt, the country remains a relatively safe destination for tourists – as long as they avoid the Sinai Peninsula (except for Sharm El-Sheikh) and the Western Desert. Popular areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada are okay for tourists to visit. The only major threats to tourists are petty theft and scammers.

7. There are New Flight Routes

Flying into Egypt has never been easier. More Americans are now able to fly directly into the country thanks to the new EgyptAir Newark to Cairo route that was launched in June 2023. They also recently announced a 5X-weekly service from Cairo to Manchester, which is the only direct UK-to-Cairo route outside of London. In addition to the new US and UK routes, they will also be adding direct flights to Cairo from Delhi, India, and Bangladesh later this year.

Egypt's Sustainable Tourism Ranking

Among enthusiasts of sustainable tourism, Egypt stands out. It ranks second on a list of similar destinations such as Greece, the UAE, Turkey, and Tunisia. Furthermore, Egypt ranks fourth among all respondents to the survey, showcasing the growing appeal of sustainability in tourism.

Prominent Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Egypt

El-Qula'an: The Eco-Village

• El-Qula'an is a Red Sea village resort aiming to transform into an 'eco-village.' It offers visitors an authentic experience while preserving the natural surroundings in their pristine state. This initiative emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices, making it an attractive destination for environmentally conscious travelers.

El Gouna: A Zero-Waste Town

• El Gouna, a newly developed town in Egypt, has earned recognition as the first town in Africa and the MENA region to receive the UN-sponsored Global Green Town Award. It aspires to achieve a zero-waste system, with an impressive 85% of all waste produced being either reused or recycled. This commitment to sustainability positions El Gouna as a model for environmentally responsible living and tourism.

Path of the Holy Family

• The 'Path of the Holy Family' is a visionary project designed to create a tourist route of religious interest. It aims to attract visitors intrigued by the historical and cultural significance of Egypt's numerous archaeological sites. This initiative draws inspiration from successful religious tourism attractions like Mecca in Saudi Arabia and Christian pilgrimages worldwide, such as the Way of St. James in Northern Spain.

Driving Factors for Sustainable Tourism in Egypt

The rise of sustainable tourism in Egypt is propelled by a growing appetite among travelers for environmentally responsible and socially conscious choices. Bain & Company has outlined a framework for sustainable tourism, encompassing three pillars: environmental impact (eco-friendly transportation and accommodation options), social responsibility (diversity and inclusion standards), and community engagement (connecting with locals).

Sustainable Tourism's Global Impact

Tourism, which faced a severe decline during the 2020 pandemic, is making a remarkable recovery and is projected to grow to $17 trillion by 2027 from $11 trillion pre-Covid-19. Travelers worldwide are increasingly demanding sustainable tourism options, and 64% of respondents in Bain & Company's study indicated that sustainability considerations influence their travel decisions. Furthermore, 66% of respondents expressed willingness to pay more for sustainable options.

Recommendations for Sustainable Tourism Success

To further boost the success of sustainable tourism initiatives, the report recommends focusing on:

• Infrastructure and technical solutions.
• Expanding sustainability certificates and awards.
• Distributing the benefits of tourism to local communities.

With tourism booming in the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing significantly in attracting visitors and diversifying their revenue sources. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to achieve net-zero climate targets, require substantial investments in industries such as tourism, financial services, and technology to replace fossil fuel-dependent economies.

Egypt's journey towards sustainable tourism not only aligns with global trends but also showcases its commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage while offering visitors a more responsible and eco-conscious travel experience.