Tourism Powerhouses: Egypt, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia Surge Ahead in 2025 Recovery

Written By: Sneha Sarkar

Sneha Sarkar

Writing has always been something I genuinely enjoy because it allows me to turn ideas into stories that people can connect with. As a Communication student and a Content Writer, I'm constantly learning, experimenting, and improving my work. I enjoy creating content that is easy to understand, connects with readers.Whether it's a blog, an article, or website content, I always aim to make it clear, meaningful, and enjoyable to read. Each project gives me a chance to learn something new, grow as a writer, and create content that genuinely connects with people.

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September 2, 2025 18:12 GMT+5:30

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Tourism in Egypt, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia continues to break records in 2025, reinforcing the growing role of the sector in these nations’ economies. With international visitor arrivals and spending rising at impressive rates, these countries are shaping up to become global tourism leaders, with robust strategies driving their economic recovery and growth. According to government reports and statistics from each nation, the tourism sector is contributing significantly to national GDPs and providing millions of jobs. The rapid rebound follows years of setbacks due to the global pandemic but now marks a new era of growth and sustainability.

Egypt’s Record-Breaking Growth

In 2024, Egypt’s travel & tourism sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to the economy, accounting for 8.5% of the GDP. This marked the highest-ever contribution, with visitor spending soaring to EGP 726.9 billion, up 36.1% from 2019. The country is set to surpass this record in 2025, with visitor spending expected to rise further to EGP 768.2 billion. The tourism sector’s growth is expected to continue, supported by strategic government investments, improved infrastructure, and efforts to make tourism more sustainable.

The Egyptian government has focused on strengthening its tourism offerings, from cultural heritage sites to modern developments like the Grand Egyptian Museum. This approach is bearing fruit, as the sector’s growth has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, creating new employment opportunities. By 2025, Egypt’s tourism sector is forecast to support 2.9 million jobs, marking a 22.3% increase since 2019. The nation is confident in its decade-long growth trajectory, with expectations that it will reach EGP 2.1 trillion by 2035, contributing 8.4% to the GDP.

New Zealand’s Strong Recovery

New Zealand is also experiencing a tourism surge. In the year ending June 2025, the country’s tourism sector contributed $12.1 billion to the economy. This is a 4.3% increase from the previous year, with international visitor arrivals climbing by 5%. In total, New Zealand welcomed 3.38 million international visitors, up from 3.21 million in 2024. This growth in tourism spending, which has now reached 86% of pre-pandemic levels, has been pivotal in powering regional economies and creating jobs.

The New Zealand government has implemented the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double the value of tourism exports by 2034. The country’s approach balances growth with sustainability, ensuring smaller towns and rural communities benefit from international spending. Despite ongoing challenges in high-value markets like China and Southeast Asia, the sector is poised to recover fully and exceed pre-pandemic tourism levels over the next decade.

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with the nation becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations globally. In 2025, tourism is expected to contribute more than 10% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with sector employment projected to hit 2.7 million, a record high. International visitor spending is forecast to reach SAR 200 billion, complemented by a rise in domestic spending to SAR 162.5 billion. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan has set ambitious goals, and the tourism sector is one of the main pillars of this vision.

The Saudi government has been investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, promoting its cultural and religious landmarks, and enhancing its connectivity. These efforts are paying off, as international tourists flock to destinations like Riyadh and Jeddah, contributing significantly to the economy. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is expected to continue growing, with future projections showing even higher contributions by 2035.

A Bright Future for Global Tourism

The tourism sectors of Egypt, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia showcase how resilient and essential the industry is to economic recovery. Each nation has built strategies that support sustainable growth while providing economic benefits to their local communities. With stronger visitor spending, rising employment, and the development of world-class tourism infrastructure, these countries are leading the way in global tourism recovery.

As global tourism continues to evolve, the success stories of these three nations will serve as valuable case studies in how to harness the power of travel to foster economic development. While challenges remain, their forward-thinking approaches are setting the stage for sustained growth in the coming decade. For travelers, these countries are becoming more attractive than ever, offering new experiences and improved services across the board.

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