GCC bookings to Egypt climb 12%

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Wego, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest online travel marketplace, reports a 12% rise in bookings to Egypt from the GCC over the past year, led by travellers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

While Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh and Giza remain perennial favourites, emerging destinations such as Al Alamein and El Gouna are drawing increasing interest.

Al Alamein, in particular, recently named the Arab Summer Resort Capital for 2025, has seen a surge in demand thanks to new seasonal flights from Etihad Airways, Saudia and Flydubai.

Hotel stays dominate GCC bookings to Egypt, with 93% of travellers opting for hotels and more than half choosing five-star properties. Resorts accounted for just 5%, while aparthotels made up 1%.

Beach destination Al Alamein in Egypt

The majority of searches are made one to two months in advance, with travellers staying an average of 10 days.

Solo travel is the fastest-growing segment, rising 13% year-on-year. Wego attributes this to Egypt’s appeal among independent travellers drawn by the country’s deep history and rich culture.

The long-anticipated opening of the US$1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been delayed due to regional geopolitical tensions but is expected later this year. Once open, GEM is forecast to attract five million visitors annually, further boosting inbound travel.

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The hospitality sector is responding to this growth. Hilton is on track to triple its presence in Egypt, with 25 hotels in the pipeline across a range of brands. Egypt also leads the African hotel pipeline, with around 150 properties representing 34,000 rooms.

Meanwhile, luxury travellers are taking to the Nile, with Oberoi and Waldorf Astoria adding high-end river cruises to their offerings.

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Strong air connectivity and proximity to the Gulf continue to make Egypt a convenient destination for GCC visitors, with the country named third most popular outbound market for GCC travellers, according to Connecting Travel’s Insight Report 2025.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports the sector contributed 8.5% to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, a figure expected to rise to 8.6% in 2025. Egypt welcomed a record 15.78 million visitors last year, up 6%, and aims to attract 30 million by 2030.

“With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

“The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.”

For more information, visit www.wego.com