UK, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Egypt, Morocco and Witness Travel Shift as International Tourists Abandon Crowded Europe for North Africa’s Affordable Luxury and Tranquil Getaways

Published on June 18, 2025

As overtourism protests intensify across major European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, a growing wave of international tourists — particularly from the UK — are redirecting their travel plans toward North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Driven by frustration with overcrowded hotspots, rising accommodation costs, and declining local hospitality, travellers are now embracing North Africa’s tranquil beaches, luxury resorts, and budget-friendly offerings, marking a major shift in global holiday preferences for 2025.

UK Tourists Ditch Crowded Europe for North Africa’s Affordable Luxury in 2025 Travel Shift

As overtourism protests grip some of Europe’s most beloved destinations, a significant number of UK holidaymakers are setting their sights on North Africa for summer getaways in 2025. With Spanish islands like Majorca and the Canaries witnessing mounting local resistance to mass tourism, travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer tranquility, affordability, and better value — prompting a wave of demand for North African nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.

The shift comes as travel experts cite a growing appetite among British tourists for high-quality resorts at prices far lower than those in traditional European hotspots such as France, Spain, and Italy. Compared to the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean, North African countries are providing a compelling alternative: spacious resorts, excellent hospitality, and savings that stretch holiday budgets further.

UK Flights to North Africa More Than Double Since 2019

Data from aviation intelligence firm Cirium highlights the scale of this transition. Flights scheduled from the UK to Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are set to reach 19,847 in 2025 — a remarkable leap from just 8,653 flights in 2019. This dramatic increase signals both rising traveller demand and airline confidence in these destinations.

Meanwhile, growth in flights to Europe’s more conventional choices is more modest. Routes from the UK to Spain are projected to rise by only ten percent, and flights to Portugal are expected to increase by nine percent, underscoring a relative stagnation compared to the North African boom.

More Flight Time, More Value

The appeal of North Africa comes despite longer flight durations. For instance, a direct flight from London Gatwick to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt takes around five hours and twenty minutes — nearly two hours longer than the journey to Spain’s Alicante. Yet this slight inconvenience is increasingly seen as a small price to pay for greater affordability and better experiences.

Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair may still operate no-frills services with non-reclining seats and no onboard entertainment, but UK tourists appear willing to trade comfort for savings — and the promise of upscale stays at lower costs. The demand has even inspired easyJet to launch its longest UK route ever, with flights from Gatwick to Cape Verde. This new offering, spanning six hours and ten minutes, reflects the airline’s growing investment in African markets.

Tour Operators and Travel Platforms Respond to Demand

Tui, one of the UK’s leading travel providers, has expanded its portfolio of North African routes in response to growing demand. New direct flights from London Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir in Morocco are among the company’s latest additions, opening up greater access for UK travellers across the country.

Online booking platforms are also seeing a significant surge in interest. Booking.com reports a sixty-eight percent spike in searches for Tunisia summer holidays in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This trend further underscores the growing appetite among British tourists for less crowded, more cost-effective international escapes.

Rising Discontent in Europe Drives Tourist Diversion

Simultaneously, several European destinations are becoming less attractive due to social and political tensions tied to tourism. Mass demonstrations in the Canary Islands and the Balearics have drawn international attention, with locals demanding limits on short-term rentals, caps on tourist numbers, and the preservation of public services for residents.

Such sentiments, though not new, have intensified following record-breaking tourist seasons that strained local infrastructure and prompted calls for sustainable tourism models. These developments are nudging UK holidaymakers to explore alternative regions where the welcome is warmer, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are more appealing.

International tourists are turning away from overcrowded and expensive European hotspots like Spain, France, and Italy, opting instead for North Africa’s serene beaches and affordable luxury in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.

North Africa’s Strategic Tourism Opportunity

For North African nations, this shift represents more than just a temporary spike in tourism — it’s a chance to strengthen economic ties with one of the world’s most active outbound travel markets. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are not only investing in hotel infrastructure and resort development but also promoting cultural tourism, beach resorts, and eco-tourism to lure in European travellers seeking something different.

In a global tourism landscape still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions and economic inflation, North Africa is carving out a prominent place on the international travel map — and British tourists are leading the charge.