Egypt’s visitor numbers are sizzling according to Wego, as the OTA revealsaa 12% year-on-year surge in bookings from the GCC.
At the heart of this boom is the captivating “Unmatched Diversity” campaign, a collaboration with the Egypt Tourism Authority that’s showcasing the country’s treasures beyond the iconic Pyramids and luring travelers with its rich heritage and diverse experiences.
Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, enthused:
“We are thrilled to support the Egypt Tourism Authority in promoting Egypt as a key destination for GCC travellers. The YoY growth in bookings indicates that Egypt continues to be a favoured spot. We anticipate further growth in the coming months as we continue to optimise our campaigns for the region.”
Meanwhile, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, added:
“We are proud to see the growing interest from GCC travellers and look forward to welcoming more visitors to explore Egypt’s timeless charm and modern vibrancy.”
What’s fueling the surge?
- Emerging destinations are stealing the spotlight. Places like Al Alamein, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Ain Sokhna, and the North Coast are increasingly popular—offering chic beach resorts, eco-conscious developments, and modern infrastructure to complement the classics.
- Luxury reigns supreme. A whopping 93% of bookings are for hotels, with 57% opting for 5‑star stays.
- Solo travellers are on the ascent. Interest in independent travel has jumped 13% year-on-year, highlighting Egypt’s appeal as both a cultural and leisure wonderland.
Why Egypt resonates with travellers?
Egypt’s DNA is one of infinite variety and timeless allure. Think iconic ancient marvels, Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, the labyrinthine alleys of Islamic Cairo, paired with sun-drenched Red Sea beaches, adrenalin-fuelled desert escapades, and luxurious Nile cruises.
Add to that the new wave of destinations offering beach chic, wellness retreats, eco-adventures, and cultural immersion, and it’s clear why Egypt is capturing hearts, and bookings.
Egypt’s appeal isn’t limited to its legendary pyramids. Here’s a snapshot of destinations captivating GCC visitors:
Emerging attractions
- Al-Alamein, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Ain Sokhna, and the North Coast are gaining traction for their upscale beachfront resorts, eco-friendly developments, and modern amenities—a fresh breeze in Egypt’s tourism landscape.
- El Gouna, often dubbed the “Venice of the Red Sea,” offers year-round sunshine, chic pastel architecture, sustainability at its heart, and a playground of water sports, luxury hotels, and buzzing bazaars.
- New Alamein, a sprawling new coastal metropolis, is rising quickly with tens of thousands of hotel rooms, soaring skyline developments, universities, and cultural complexes planned as part of Egypt’s future megacities.
- Cairo Eye, an under-construction Ferris wheel set to become Africa’s largest, promises 360-degree views of the Nile, the pyramids, and the city’s skyline.
Iconic classics
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx remain unbeatable must-sees.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a world-class marvel housing treasures of Tutankhamun and massive statues of Ramses II, is earning acclaim for its scale and vision.
- Nile cruises are enjoying a renaissance—like Viking’s new vessels offering immersive cultural storytelling, balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings, and exquisite onboard hospitality.
- For adventurers and culture fans alike: Luxor’s temples and tombs, Valley of the Kings, Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and the White Desert’s surreal rock formations all deliver unforgettable experiences.
No doubt Egypt is confidently rising again, powered by digital campaigns, diverse offerings, and a strategic focus on spreading tourism beyond its historical hubs. With Egypt investing in infrastructure, including new cities, resorts, museums, and transport, we can see why more and GCC travellers are heading over.
