Hossam Al-Shaer, Chairman of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, confirmed that Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the number of visitors expected to reach 18 million by the end of 2025 and projected to rise to 22 million in the 2026 season.
Egypt
Al-Shaer highlighted that hotel occupancy rates across major destinations are very high, noting that Egypt currently has around 200,000 hotel rooms, a figure that needs to double to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals.
He also explained that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has established clear regulations for holiday apartments, which include three types: entire buildings with 8 apartments, apartments within a building, or standalone units. All units must meet defined quality standards regarding location, permitted areas, and full ministry supervision.
Negotiations are underway with global booking platforms to ensure only approved units are listed or properly labeled to guarantee service quality and tourist protection.
Al-Shaer emphasized the need to expand tourism beyond Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, which currently host 70% of hotel rooms. He cited initiatives by local residents in Nazlat Al-Samman, developing hotel units under a government-approved plan aimed at transforming the area into a long-stay destination near the Pyramids, increasing visitor stays from one or two days to a week or 10 days.
He stressed that developing the North Coast requires sufficient hotel capacity, regular flight operations, upgrading existing airports and building new ones, doubling and improving tourist roads, offering investment incentives and attractive land prices, and facilitating visa procedures.
Al-Shaer concluded by affirming that the sector is entering a major growth phase, and completing these development plans will significantly enhance Egypt’s competitiveness on the global tourism map.
