How GCC Countries, Including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Soar Tourism in Egypt?

Published on June 10, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

GCC countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significantly boosting Egypt’s tourism, marking a notable increase in visitor numbers.

Egypt’s tourism industry showcased remarkable growth in 2023, attracting a total of 14.906 million visitors. This performance is particularly noteworthy in the last quarter of the year, where the country welcomed around 3.6 million tourists, marking a 6% increase from the same period in 2022. Revenue from tourism also saw a substantial rise, climbing 8% year-on-year to a robust $13.2 billion, according to a government spokesperson.

In 2022, Egypt topped the list as the primary origin for tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia from the Middle East, with approximately 1.5 million visitors, according to Statista.

The average daily expenditure of tourists in Egypt was pegged at $93, with visitors typically staying for about 9.5 nights. This indicates a strong economic impact and robust engagement with the local tourism sector.

Looking forward, Egypt has laid out an ambitious blueprint to significantly enhance its tourism income. The nation aims to triple its current average annual tourism revenue from $12 billion to an impressive $30 billion over the next three years. This strategic focus on tourism expansion not only underscores Egypt’s rich cultural and historical allure but also highlights its growing appeal as a global tourist destination.+

In an exclusive interview with TTW at Riyad Travel 2024, Nader El Biblawi, Chairman of the Egypt Travel Agent Association said: “The significant role of GCC countries in boosting Egypt’s tourism, with a special focus on Saudi Arabia. The GCC market is crucial for us, particularly Saudi Arabia. The enduring ties with Saudi Arabia, noting. They feel at home here. Our relationship has only grown stronger over the decades. While Saudi Arabia remains a primary source due to its large population and strong outbound tourism, all GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman) are vital to Egypt’s tourism sector, contributing significantly to the influx of tourists.”

Travel agencies in Egypt view the GCC market, especially Saudi Arabia, as pivotal for their tourism sector. The Saudi market is recognized as a significant source of inbound tourists. “We value our presence at this fair highly; it’s not my first attendance, but this edition has been outstanding in terms of organization and attendance,” noted a representative from the Egyptian tourism sector. The promotional efforts in Saudi Arabia are expected to drive a considerable number of visitors this season, building on the deep, historical connections between Egyptians and Saudis. “The Saudi tourist feels exceptionally secure and comfortable in Egypt, perhaps more so than anywhere else in the world.”

Egypt aims to deepen its engagement with all six GCC countries, though the Saudi market remains particularly crucial due to its size and the longstanding stability of bilateral relations. A new push is being made to promote Egypt’s North Coast, known for its favorable climate, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, as a prime destination for Saudi tourists.

The representative also emphasized the importance of using Destination Management Companies (DMCs) for organizing travel. “We strongly advise against relying solely on online tools for trip planning. Working with a DMC ensures security and peace of mind,” they stated, urging Saudi tour operators and travel agents to prioritize this approach to support travelers.