Egypt’s tourism industry is expected to recover with an estimated 15.3 million visitors by the end of 2024, a 5% increase over 2023, despite ongoing regional challenges, according to Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy.

Fathy emphasized that the tourism sector had performed exceptionally well last year, with 14.91 million international tourists arriving, the highest number in the country's tourism history.

On the sidelines of the World Travel Market in London, Fathy highlighted the country's growing appeal as a top global destination.

He noted that the increase in tourism is particularly significant given the turbulence the region faced in Q3 of 2023, including the escalation of the war on Gaza.

Despite geopolitical tensions, the sector remains resilient and is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

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Looking ahead, Fathy is optimistic about the potential to attract tourists from new markets, particularly China and the Scandinavian countries.

The ministry is planning a series of targeted promotional campaigns that will utilize social media and artificial intelligence tools to reach wider audiences," the minister said, adding that new low-cost flight routes from China and Scandinavian countries are expected to drive a further increase in arrivals.

While Egypt initially set a target of 18 million tourists for 2024, the ongoing instability in the region could impact the achievement of that goal.

The government remains committed to strengthening the tourism sector, with plans to increase annual tourism revenues from an estimated $12 billion to $30 billion within the next three years.

The sector’s performance remains strong, with hotel occupancy rates averaging over 75%. In some tourist areas, occupancy has even exceeded 90%. “The tourism sector continues to show remarkable resilience, with high demand across multiple regions of the country,” Fathy explained.