Egypt has recorded 14.4 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. This growth was highlighted at the 26th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, where Egypt outlined its ambitious plans to boost tourism further. The country aims to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2030, supported by significant investments in hotel development and aviation infrastructure.
The Egyptian Tourism Authority revealed a pipeline of approximately 35,000 hotel rooms, with plans to double the current capacity of 240,000 rooms. This includes increased investment in luxury properties. Airport expansions at Cairo International Airport, El-Alamein, Sphinx, and Marsa Matrouh are also underway to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
At the summit, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, was honoured with the WTTC Global Champion Award for Outstanding Leadership in Travel and Tourism. Fathy emphasised the importance of public and private sector collaboration in balancing authenticity with investment. "We are committed to supporting and empowering the private sector, both locally and internationally, as a key driver of sustainable growth," he stated.
Egypt's diverse destinations, such as the Red Sea, Mediterranean coasts, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, are pivotal in attracting tourists. The country's participation in the Global Summit builds on its relationship with WTTC, having hosted the first-ever Leadership Cruise along the Suez Canal in May 2026. As Egypt continues to enhance its tourism offerings, it remains focused on providing diverse, authentic, and sustainable experiences for travellers worldwide.
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
