Egypt Tourism Boom: Industry Sees New Surge In Bookings

In another record-breaking year for travel agencies, 2024’s travel numbers grew in most regions around the world. This includes Egypt, which attracted a record 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities—an increase of 5.3% from 2023.

Yet, the trade tells a different story: TMR interviewed multiple suppliers who said that Egypt sales dropped significantly in late 2023 and in 2024 as a direct result of the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.

“We saw a pretty dramatic increase in cancellations [and] clients wishing to cancel and travel elsewhere… as well as a sharp decline for any new bookings for several months to a year following the conflict outbreak,” said Stacy Alderson, senior director, sales at Kensington.  

Moira Smith, Goway vice president for Africa & the Middle East, told TMR that Egypt was a rising destination post-pandemic, but interest dropped off following the events in October 2023.

“We saw such huge demand for the Middle East, notably Egypt,” said Smith. “Dubai had maintained its volumes [throughout the pandemic], but Egypt, Jordan and Israel really had a big spike prior to the Middle East conflict.” 

The industry is concerned: At the most recent USTOA Conference last December, political turmoil was identified as the top risk worrying members. 

Over the last few months, however, Egypt has begun to rebound. Abercrombie & Kent reported a 32% increase in Egypt bookings in the past four weeks. At the start of 2025, Intrepid saw a 113.5% rise in sales year-over-year, and an impressive spike of 300% during its recent Cyber Sale in November and December.

“Egypt is making a powerful comeback, and it’s easy to see why,” Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel told TMR. “Egypt alone has seen sales skyrocket by over 100%—a clear sign that people are eager to reconnect with the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences … We believe the momentum is only growing.”

Kensington saw a 350% increase year-over-year for January and February 2024, although Alderson told TMR this amounts to about 45% of what sales were before the conflict broke out.

The most interesting surge was identified by Goway Travel. The family-owned tailored-made tour operator has seen a significant boost in Egypt bookings as well: From November 2024 to January 2025, leads are up approximately 60%, while conversions are up 250% (compared to the same period last year).

“I noticed in the last couple of weeks that there seemed to be a lot more Egypt leads,” Moira Smith, Goway vice president Africa & Middle East, told TMR. 

“It’s very encouraging to see.”

Goway Sees A 250% Boost In Egypt Sales

Smith credits consumer confidence returning, as well as pent-up demand, for the Egypt recovery.

“Over the last few months, even though the ceasefire only came about officially in the middle of January, there was movements,” she explained. 

Unlike Intrepid’s increase, which was tied to a promotion, Goway’s surge in conversions can’t be explained away by marketing efforts. Smith told TMR that the company had actually stopped promoting its Middle East and Egypt packages because of the Israel conflict.

Smith and her product managers had anticipated the region’s return, however, and made efforts to prepare. 

“We’ve been meeting with Egypt, Jordan and our Israel suppliers to make sure that the product is in excellent shape,” Smith told TMR.  

The trade is playing a major part as well: Smith estimates about 75% of those lead conversions are coming from travel advisors—70% in the U.S. and 30% in Canada.

Smith told TMR the bookings from Canada are particularly promising given the issues over the last couple of years with visa requirements. Egypt canceled the pre-entry visa for Canadian travelers in December 2024.

Goway is seeing bookings for travel in March through to the next year—but Smith believes this is just the beginning.

“I think we’ll know that the region is back fully when we see Israel reverting to normal,” said Smith.

“Peak travel is still yet to come, but it’s very encouraging to see,” she added.

“Egypt has always been a bucket list”

Smith is confident that Egypt will continue to grow. She suggested travel advisors should try to book early with clients, nothing that when it does fully return, it will “come back strong.”

“Egypt has always been a bucket list,” she added.

Chris Bazos, the co-founder of boutique tour operator Travelous and a Travel + Leisure A-List Egypt specialist, is also seeing a recent rise in demand. Bazos saw a significant decline in Egypt bookings in 2024, but noted an upward trend as soon as the U.S. election ended.

“The numbers haven’t fully come back since pre-October 2023, but the demand is there. The phone is ringing now again for Egypt and people are excited to go,” he told TMR.

Admiral Travel International Founder & CEO Malaka Hilton had a slightly different experience.  

A luxury specialist for Egypt, Hilton has been listed on Travel + Leisure A-List Travel Advisor for more than 25 years. She told TMR that her business never dropped off following October 2023 (which she credits to her high-networth clientele)—although she has seen a recent uptick.

Hilton believes the new billion-dollar Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open in July, is driving interest. She told TMR she expects the museum to draw return visitors. Another factor to consider is the 2027 eclipse, which will be viewed best from Luxor. “I hear a lot of buzz, a lot of interest,” she told TMR.

Bazos also pointed to the new museum as a key factor in Egypt’s growing tourism sector. Since the soft opening, he’s been running tours there in conjunction with the downtown museum. 

“Once [the museum] gets the press coverage after July, I think you’ll see a huge surge,” he said.

Advice to Travel Advisors: Book Egypt Early & Choose Wisely

Already, suppliers are selling out 2025 and 2026 dates in Egypt. Given that the best time to travel is Thanksgiving (November) to April, clients need to book early in order to secure the accommodations they want at the time of year they want.

“With the highly anticipated grand opening of the GEM on the horizon, now is the time to book late 2025 and 2026 travel before demand surges,” said Jennifer Campbell, A&K global group product manager for the Middle East, North Africa & India, Egypt.

“As we’ve seen after past booking lulls—such as the Arab Spring and COVID—iconic destinations like Egypt tend to rebound quickly and with high demand. For those seeking top suites on a Nile cruise, securing reservations in advance is essential, especially for the festive season,” added Campbell.

Smith also recommended telling clients to book as soon as possible.

“Egypt is always going to be popular. I recommend [travel advisors] send their customers before the crowds come back again,” she said.

Alderson also recommended booking travel to Egypt before the crowds fully return.

“The decrease in tourism has led to really incredible value for a privately guided trip and luxurious accommodation in the country,” she told TMR. “Egypt really is a destination for everyone.”

Another piece of advice: pick a supplier you know and trust. “Book through a company that has expertise and partners on the ground so you know that your clients are taken care of,” said Smith. “You want peace of mind for your clients.”

Hilton also recommended advisors do their research and choose the right supplier. “Make sure to book with a reputable tour company… Don’t try to do it on your own,” she said.

After over 25 years in the industry, Hilton is very particular in who she’ll book with—preferring top-tier, luxury accommodations like Four Seasons.

“The reason why I will only work with those partners is safety and security. It’s going to be their number one priority,” said Hilton.

“Also food. These are the exotics. We want to make sure we are working with partners who can cater to the Western world,” she said.