Egypt welcomed a record 19 million international visitors in 2025, supported by steady growth from the UK market which saw approximately 1.1 million British tourists, a 17% increase year-on-year. The country received about nine million visitors in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 15.6% rise in arrivals during the first quarter and a tourism revenue boost of about one third to $5.1 billion.
Egypt’s Diversification Strategy Targets UK Market
Dr Ahmed Youssef, Chief Executive of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, urged UK travel agents at Jet2’s Destination Partners Event in Leeds on September 30, 2026, to promote a more varied Egyptian itinerary. He emphasized extending visitor
stays, encouraging repeat visits and combining beach resorts with cultural destinations such as Cairo, Luxor, and the Nile Valley. “Our ambition for the UK is about value as much as volume: longer stays, more repeat visits, and more British travellers combining the Red Sea with Cairo, Luxor or the Nile, or adding the Mediterranean coast for a summer itinerary,” Youssef said.
He called on travel agencies to move beyond selling Egypt solely as a resort or Nile cruise destination, highlighting the opportunity to blend distinct experiences within one holiday. Cairo, with the Grand Egyptian Museum fully open and a growing
cultural scene, is a key part of this push. The strategy also encompasses premium Nile cruises on dahabiyyas, and nature and diving experiences in Marsa Alam, Siwa, and the Western Desert, along with development on Egypt’s Mediterranean North Coast.
New Flight Routes, Hotels and Unique Events
Jet2 is set to launch year-round flights from six UK airports to Egypt starting February 2027, adding crucial air capacity to facilitate access to southern destinations like Luxor and Marsa Alam. Around 7,600 new hotel rooms across approximately 30 properties are scheduled to open in 2027, including locations in Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Cairo, and the North Coast.
The
total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, will pass directly over Luxor, offering about six minutes and 22 seconds of totality across the Nile Valley. Dr Youssef noted this event will likely book up early, presenting a unique draw for travellers that could add to Egypt’s appeal.
Impacts on UK Travelers and Travel Agents
British holidaymakers will benefit from expanded options allowing them to combine cultural visits and Red Sea resorts in single itineraries, such as a week on the Red Sea paired with three nights in Luxor or a journey through Cairo and the Nile followed by beach time. This approach aims to attract new customers,
extend trip durations, and encourage repeat visits to explore different areas of Egypt.
Dr Youssef urged agents to incorporate multi-destination experiences at the booking stage, stating, “The more agents build that in at the point of booking, the more of Egypt British travellers will see.” He also called for more direct flights from the UK to Luxor and Marsa Alam to facilitate easier access to southern Egypt.
Strategic Context and Calls to Action
Egypt’s tourism strategy centers on increasing visitor value through longer stays and multi-centre holidays that combine cultural, coastal, and nature experiences. With international arrivals growing by 15.6% in early 2026 and revenue rising
to $5.1 billion, expanding flight capacity and hotel availability is key to sustaining momentum.
Dr Youssef said travel agents have a critical role in promoting Egypt’s diverse offerings beyond traditional hotspots. He stated, “For agents, the opportunity is to look beyond selling one established version of Egypt and instead build holidays around the different experiences that now exist across the country. That gives them more ways to attract new customers, extend itineraries and give returning customers a reason to discover another side of Egypt.”
