Egypt is Surging Travel Industry with Visa Free Entry to 52 Countries

Egypt‘s tourism industry is experiencing a surge due to the recent introduction of visa-free travel to 52 countries as of latest August 2024, including popular destinations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius. This initiative is making international travel more accessible for Egyptian citizens, boosting outbound tourism, and expanding opportunities for global cultural exploration. The new visa-free arrangements enhance Egypt’s connectivity on the global tourism stage, promoting greater cultural exchange and international engagement.

TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “The recent introduction of visa-free travel to 52 countries as of August 2024 is a game-changer for Egypt’s tourism industry, empowering citizens to explore the world more easily. This move not only boosts outbound tourism but also strengthens Egypt’s global connectivity, fostering cultural exchange and international relationships. With Egypt’s rich history and monumental landmarks, this initiative is poised to create even greater opportunities for Egyptians to share their heritage while experiencing the wonders of other nations.”

Egypt, a nation that bridges Northeast Africa and the Middle East, boasts a rich history dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Along the fertile Nile River Valley, you’ll find millennia-old monuments such as the colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, as well as the hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. The top ten outbound destinations for Egyptian travelers include:

• Saudi Arabia


• Kuwait


• UAE


• Bahrain


• Turkey


• Lebanon


• Jordan


• US


• Qatar


• Italy

Egypt’s Outbound Tourism Spending Soars to $6.6 Billion in Early 2024, Marking a 5% Increase

In the first half of 2024, Egypt’s outbound tourism sector experienced a notable surge, with spending increasing by 5%. Total expenditures reached $6.6 billion, up from $6.3 billion during the same period in 2023. This growth reflects a heightened interest among Egyptians in exploring international destinations. Popular destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Turkey saw increased numbers of Egyptian travelers, contributing to the overall rise in outbound tourism spending. The increase also indicates a broader economic recovery and a growing middle class with greater disposable income for travel.

Travel and Tourism’s Contribution to Egypt’s GDP Rises to 7.7% in 2022, Down from 8.5% in 2019

In 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed 7.7 percent to Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), showing an increase compared to the figures in 2020. However, this share represents a decline from the 8.5 percent contribution recorded in 2019.

Expansive lists of Visa-Free travel:

Visa free lists

• Barbados


• Benin


• Cook Islands


• Dominica


• Guinea


• Haiti


• Hong Kong (SAR China)


• Iran


• Jordan


• Kiribati


• Lebanon


• Macao (SAR China)


• Madagascar


• Malaysia


• Mauritius


• Micronesia


• Niue


• Rwanda


• Senegal


• St. Kitts and Nevis


• St. Vincent and the Grenadines


• The Gambia

VOA

• Bolivia


• Burkina Faso


• Burundi


• Cambodia


• Cape Verde Islands


• Comoro Islands


• Djibouti


• Ghana


• Guinea-Bissau


• Indonesia


• Maldives


• Marshall Islands


• Mauritania


• Mozambique


• Nepal


• Nicaragua


• Nigeria


• Palau Islands


• Samoa


• Seychelles


• Laos


• Somalia


• Tajikistan


• Tanzania


• Timor-Leste


• Tuvalu


• Yemen


• Zimbabwe

ETA

• Kenya


• Sri Lanka

Airports in Egypt:

• Cairo International Airport (CAI): In 2023, Cairo International Airport, Egypt’s busiest hub, facilitated approximately 10 million outbound passengers, serving as a key gateway for international travel.


• Luxor International Airport (LXR): Luxor International Airport handled around 2 million outbound passengers in 2023, primarily catering to tourists visiting the ancient sites of Luxor and the Nile Valley.


• Assiut International Airport (ATZ): Assiut International Airport saw approximately 500,000 outbound passengers in 2023, offering routes to regional and international destinations.


• Hurghada International Airport (HRG): A popular gateway for beachgoers, Hurghada International Airport accommodated around 4 million outbound passengers in 2023, serving tourists heading to the Red Sea resorts.


• Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria (HBE): In 2023, Borg El Arab International Airport managed approximately 2.5 million outbound passengers, with flights connecting to various destinations in the Middle East and Europe.

Egypt’s Outbound Air Travel: 2023 Passenger Figures and Key Destinations

Airlines in Egypt:

• Air Arabia Egypt: In 2023, Air Arabia Egypt facilitated around 800,000 outbound passengers, offering budget-friendly flights primarily to destinations in the Middle East and North Africa.


• Air Cairo: Air Cairo, known for its extensive network across the Middle East and Europe, carried approximately 1.2 million outbound passengers in 2023, serving as a popular choice for leisure travelers.


• Air Sinai: Operating flights exclusively between Egypt and Israel, Air Sinai managed around 150,000 outbound passengers in 2023, focusing on direct routes from Cairo to Tel Aviv.


• Alexandria Airlines: Alexandria Airlines, catering to both regional and international destinations, handled approximately 400,000 outbound passengers in 2023, with a significant number traveling to the Middle East.


• AlMasria Universal Airlines: In 2023, AlMasria Universal Airlines transported around 600,000 outbound passengers, offering a variety of routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Exploring Egypt by Water: Key Cruise Experiences and Outbound Passenger Figures

Cruises in Egypt:

Nile River Cruises: The most popular cruises in Egypt, these journeys along the Nile River include stops at key historical sites such as Luxor, Aswan, and the temples of Abu Simbel. In 2023, these cruises collectively carried around 500,000 outbound passengers. Major operators include:

• Mövenpick Nile Cruises


• Sonesta Nile Cruises


• Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise


• Sanctuary Nile Adventurer


• MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

Lake Nasser Cruises: Exploring the lesser-known but stunning region around Lake Nasser, these cruises visit sites like the Abu Simbel temples. They served approximately 50,000 outbound passengers in 2023. Key operators include:

• Steigenberger Omar El Khayam


• MS Nubian Sea


• MS Prince Abbas

Red Sea Cruises: Offering a unique experience, these cruises explore the Red Sea coast, famous for its beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life. In 2023, they attracted around 300,000 outbound passengers. Operators include:

• MSC Cruises


• Thomson Cruises


• Costa Cruises

Mediterranean Cruises from Alexandria: Some Mediterranean cruises start or stop in Alexandria, providing excursions to Cairo and other historical sites. In 2023, these cruises carried approximately 200,000 outbound passengers. Notable cruise lines include:

• Royal Caribbean International


• Celebrity Cruises


• Princess Cruises

Egypt‘s tourism industry continues to flourish, attracting visitors from around the world to its iconic historical sites, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The country’s rich heritage, highlighted by the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the bustling markets of Cairo, serves as a powerful draw for tourists. With a diverse array of experiences, including Nile River cruises, Red Sea diving adventures, and Mediterranean explorations, Egypt caters to a wide range of interests and travelers. As the country continues to promote its unique attractions and develop new tourism experiences, it is well-positioned to maintain its status as a premier global destination, offering an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and adventure.