Egypt leads North Africa in tourism revenues in 2025

This has strengthened Egypt’s position as one of the continent’s top travel destinations, especially considering that tourism revenues are among the most critical sources of foreign currency for these countries.

By: Business Today Staff

Sun, Aug. 3, 2025

Egypt has surpassed other North African countries in tourism revenues, driven by a notable increase in the number of incoming tourists.

This has strengthened Egypt’s position as one of the continent’s top travel destinations, especially considering that tourism revenues are among the most critical sources of foreign currency for these countries.

According to Africa Le 360 on Sunday, the total tourism revenues for Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia reached approximately $15.06 billion by the end of June 2025, marking a 19.52% increase compared to the same period last year.

Despite Egypt and Morocco having a close number of tourist arrivals — receiving 8.9 million and 8.7 million visitors respectively by the end of June 2025 — Egypt clearly outperformed in terms of revenue, generating $8.05 billion in tourism income.

Egypt’s tourism revenues saw a 22% rise in the first half of the year, in line with a 25% increase in tourist arrivals.

Egypt stands out as a destination that offers both cultural and historical attractions, as well as beach resorts, appealing to a wide range of tourists, including high-spending travelers.

This demand is reflected in high hotel occupancy rates, with Sharm El-Sheikh hotels averaging over 75% occupancy, and some coastal resorts exceeding 90%.

Tourism is the third-largest source of foreign currency in Egypt, following export revenues and remittances from Egyptians abroad.

Egypt is expected to set a new tourism revenue record in the remainder of 2025, with projections estimating revenues to reach around $18.3 billion, representing a 9.5% increase compared to 2024.