Egypt sets ambitious goal of 30M tourists by 2031 with new investment plan

EGYPT – The government of Egypt has unveiled an ambitious strategy to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2031, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth and foreign investment agenda.

The plan, recently reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming Egypt into a premier global destination through targeted investment and sector-wide reforms.

Central to this strategy is a significant expansion of hotel capacity.

In 2024, Egypt added 7,200 new hotel rooms, more than half of which were entirely new builds, and plans are underway to introduce approximately 19,000 additional rooms in 2025 alone.

The government’s roadmap calls for a total increase of 200,000 to 250,000 hotel rooms by 2028, ensuring the infrastructure can accommodate the projected surge in visitors.

Investments will also target tourist restaurants, cafes, amusement parks, safari camps, and the preservation and revitalization of archaeological sites and museums, often through public-private partnerships.

To streamline and promote investment, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is establishing a specialized unit tasked with creating an “investment opportunities bank.”

This centralized platform will catalog and present available projects to both domestic and international investors, aiming to accelerate the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector.

The strategy also includes a comprehensive investment map, sectoral studies, and periodic progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

Egypt’s approach is holistic, combining infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and innovative financing initiatives, such as low-interest loans and targeted support for tourism enterprises, to attract capital and enhance competitiveness.

The government has also prioritized the diversification of tourism offerings, promoting eco-tourism, adventure travel, and medical tourism alongside traditional attractions.

This diversification is supported by robust marketing campaigns and streamlined visa processes, further boosting Egypt’s appeal to global travelers.

Despite regional challenges, Egypt’s tourism sector has shown resilience, with revenues rising to $8.7 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2024/2025.

If the current trajectory continues, the country is poised not only to reclaim its status as Africa’s top tourist destination but also to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and a higher contribution of tourism to GDP, potentially reaching 15–18% by 2031.

With clear targets, strategic investments, and a focus on sustainability and innovation, Egypt’s new plan sets the stage for a dynamic and resilient tourism industry capable of welcoming 30 million visitors annually within the next six years.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.