Travel and tourism sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to Egypt’s GDP in 2024
Travel and tourism sector of Egypt has achieved unprecedented milestones, with 2024 marking its highest-ever contribution to the national economy and 2025 poised to break new ground yet again.
According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a leading global tourism organisation, developed in partnership with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5 pc of the national economy.
In a press statement, WTTC says that the outlook for 2025 is even brighter, with the sector expected to grow by 4.9 pc and increase its share of national GDP to 8.6 pc.
The statement adds that this growth underscores the pivotal role of travel and tourism in Egypt’s ongoing economic development, cementing its status as a key driver of prosperity and opportunity.
WTTC says that visitor spending has also reached historic highs. In 2024, international visitor expenditure surged to EGP 726.9 billion (USD 14.35 billion), a growth of 36.1 pc compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending climbed to EGP 449.9 billion, 31.8 pc above pre-pandemic levels.
Additionally, the upward trajectory is projected to continue in 2025, with international visitor spending expected to rise to EGP 768.2 billion and domestic spending to EGP 460.6 billion, reflecting sustained demand from both international and local travellers.
The statement adds that employment growth has also outpaced previous records. In 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This trend is set to accelerate, with employment forecast to reach 2.9 million in 2025, a 22.3 pc increase over 2019 levels.
Julia Simpson
“Egypt’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient and vital to the country’s growth,” says Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC.
“With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off,” Simpson adds.
Looking further ahead, WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s travel and tourism sector.
WTTC says that by 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1 trillion to the national economy, representing 8.4 pc of GDP, and support 3.8 million jobs, 10.5 pc of total employment.
According to the statement, international visitor spending is projected to rise to EGP 1.1 trillion, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627 billion.
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