Egypt Leads MENA Tourism Growth as Visitor Numbers Rise 16% in 1st Quarter

Egypt recorded the strongest tourism growth in the Middle East and North Africa during the first quarter of 2026, with international arrivals rising 16% year-on-year despite a broader regional slowdown linked to ongoing conflicts, according to a June report by the UN Tourism (UNWTO).

The report showed that Egypt's tourism revenues increased by 8% in the January-March period compared with the same quarter of 2025, while tourist arrivals across the Middle East declined by 14% over the same period.

The figures underscore the resilience of Egypt's tourism sector amid regional geopolitical tensions and position the country as one of the region's fastest-growing travel destinations.

Ahmed Youssef said Egypt's performance reflected growing international confidence in the country's tourism industry and its ability to maintain its appeal despite instability elsewhere in the region.

"Egypt topped Middle East and North African countries in tourism growth rates during the first quarter of 2026," Youssef said, citing the UNWTO report.

He attributed the increase in visitor numbers to Egypt's positive international image and its relative insulation from regional conflicts, adding that travelers have increasingly distinguished Egypt as a safe and attractive destination despite broader tensions in the region.

Youssef said Egypt's tourism sector has maintained annual growth rates of around 20% in recent years and continues to expand in 2026, with visitor numbers rising by an additional 5% to 6% compared with the previous year.

The government is targeting further growth in tourist arrivals as part of its strategy to expand the sector's contribution to the economy and increase foreign currency revenues.

Tourism is one of Egypt's key sources of foreign exchange and remains a pillar of the government's efforts to support economic growth, attract investment and create jobs.