The Egyptian government has announced that the country continues to dominate the African hotel market for the ninth consecutive year. According to a report by the Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center, Egypt's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with an increasing number of hotels and rooms under construction. The report highlighted that 185 hotels with 46,000 rooms are expected to be completed by 2026.
The report also revealed that the number of hotels under construction has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2024, there were 109 hotels with 26,200 rooms under construction, while in 2023, there were 103 hotels with 24,900 rooms. This growth trend is expected to continue, with 143 hotels and 33,900 rooms planned for 2025. The expansion of the hotel industry is a positive indicator for Egypt's tourism sector.
Egypt's tourism industry has shown resilience despite regional tensions. According to the report, the number of tourists visiting Egypt from January to August 2026 reached 12.7 million, compared to 12.2 million during the same period in 2025. The tourism revenue also increased to $12 billion during the same period in 2026, compared to $11.8 billion in 2025.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has predicted that Egypt's tourism sector will grow by 3% in 2026, despite global economic challenges. The WTTC also forecasted that the sector's contribution to Egypt's GDP will increase to $35.4 billion in 2026, up from $34.4 billion in 2025. Additionally, the number of people employed in the tourism sector is expected to rise to 3.03 million in 2026, up from 2.97 million in 2025.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also expressed optimism about Egypt's tourism sector. According to the IMF, the sector has remained resilient despite regional tensions, and is expected to generate $20.8 billion in revenue in 2026/2027, up from $19.9 billion in 2025/2026. The IMF also predicted that the sector's revenue will continue to grow, reaching $22.9 billion in 2027/2028 and $25.4 billion in 2028/2029.
Egypt's tourism sector has been a significant contributor to the country's economy, and the government's efforts to promote the sector are expected to yield positive results. The sector's growth is also expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic development. The Egyptian government has been working to improve the country's tourism infrastructure and promote Egypt as a tourist destination.
The report highlighted that Egypt's tourism sector is expected to continue growing, with a predicted increase in revenue to $29.8 billion by 2030/2031. The sector's resilience and growth potential make it an important contributor to Egypt's economy. With 185 hotels and 46,000 rooms under construction, Egypt is well-positioned to maintain its lead in the African hotel market.
Key points
- Egypt's tourism sector is expected to grow by 3% in 2026, despite global economic challenges.
- The number of hotels under construction in Egypt has increased to 185, with 46,000 rooms expected to be completed by 2026.
- Egypt's tourism revenue is predicted to increase to $20.8 billion in 2026/2027, up from $19.9 billion in 2025/2026.
