Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Algeria and Lebanon Lead North Africa’s Tourism Growth : Click Now To Know More About It

Published on February 14, 2026

North Africa has emerged as a powerhouse in the global tourism market, with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia driving a record $35.25 billion in tourism revenue for the year 2025. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s $28 billion, outpacing global averages in both tourist arrivals and earnings. The region’s tourism growth was fueled by higher visitor numbers, elevated hotel rates, and favorable currency movements, making North Africa a key destination for travelers seeking unique cultural and natural experiences.

The North African tourism sector has shown impressive growth in recent years, with these three countries leading the way in attracting international visitors. As travelers seek new and diverse destinations, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have leveraged their rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty to offer unforgettable travel experiences.

Egypt: The Champion in Revenue per Tourist

Among the top performers, Egypt stands out as Africa’s top earner in tourism, generating $17.8 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, marking a robust 17% increase from the previous year. Egypt has solidified its position as a premium destination in North Africa, with high-spending tourists from markets such as Germany, Gulf countries, and Russia contributing to the surge. Egypt’s average expenditure per tourist reached $937, the highest in the region, underscoring the value of its tourism offerings.

In 2025, Egypt welcomed 19 million visitors, a 21% increase in arrivals compared to the previous year. Popular resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh played a pivotal role in driving high occupancy rates. The country’s ancient Pharaonic heritage, including iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings, continues to attract cultural tourists from around the world.

Looking ahead, Egypt’s government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 30 million visitors and $24 billion in revenue by 2028. The strategy includes expanding air connectivity, simplifying visa processes, and diversifying tourism offerings beyond historical and beach tourism.

Morocco: Achieving the Strongest Growth in 2025

Morocco had an exceptional year in 2025, welcoming 19.8 million tourists, a 13.8% increase from the previous year. The country’s tourism revenue reached $14.7 billion, driven by a diversified portfolio of attractions. Morocco offers a blend of vibrant cities like Marrakech and Fez, scenic coastal resorts, and expansive desert experiences in areas like Merzouga. Its rich cultural heritage and urban experiences have made it a top destination for international travelers seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and luxury.

Morocco’s tourism growth was marked by a 19% increase in dollar terms, the highest growth rate globally. This surge reflects the country’s focus on offering a wide range of experiences, including seaside resorts, mountain treks, and cultural tourism. Average spending per tourist approached $742, signaling the rising value of Moroccan tourism. Tourism has become Morocco’s second-largest foreign exchange source, surpassing remittances from Moroccans abroad, and the sector is expected to continue expanding with increased international interest.

Tunisia: Record Volumes Despite Value Challenges

Tunisia also saw notable success in 2025, with over 11 million tourists visiting the country, a record high. Tourism revenue reached $2.75 billion, a 6.5% increase from 2024. However, Tunisia faces challenges in average expenditure per tourist, which remains around $250, significantly lower than its neighbors. The country’s reliance on mass tourism and all-inclusive packages has limited the amount of money flowing directly into the local economy, despite the strong volume of visitors.

Tunisia’s tourism industry is crucial for its economy, and the country remains a popular destination for beach holidays and all-inclusive resorts. Despite the volume of visitors, Tunisia must work on increasing the value per tourist by diversifying its offerings. This includes a greater focus on ecological tourism, cultural experiences, and medical tourism, all of which can provide higher value for both local businesses and visitors.

North Africa’s Position in the Global Tourism Market

The global wine tourism market is worth about $46.5 billion, with Europe holding 51% of the market share. As the tourism sector in North Africa continues to grow, the region is becoming a major player in Europe’s travel market. The growth in revenue and arrivals shows that more international tourists are discovering North Africa’s unique blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the global tourism market. The Middle East and North Africa are expected to benefit from increasing connectivity, investment in infrastructure, and sustainable tourism initiatives. With its diverse offerings, from ancient ruins and cultural heritage sites to beaches and desert landscapes, North Africa is rapidly becoming a key destination for travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Future Outlook: More Opportunities for Growth

As North Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow, the region is increasingly attracting international tourists looking for new, affordable, and diverse travel experiences. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are focusing on expanding their tourism offerings, improving accessibility, and addressing challenges like seasonality and low average expenditure. With more international airlines opening up routes to North Africa and investments in tourism infrastructure, the future looks bright for the region.