Egypt’s tourism sector is preparing for a possible influx of Russian visitors in 2024, with forecasts reaching up to 1.8 million arrivals.
Such data was revealed by the head of the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA), Amr Elkadi, who noted that Egypt welcomed 1,414,821 Russian tourists last year. Despite the challenges presented by the conflict in Gaza, which slightly hampered the projected figures, VisaGuide.World reports,
Egypt had set ambitious targets for foreign tourist arrivals, targeting a total of 15 million visitors. However, the actual number fell slightly to around 14.9 million. In particular, forecasts for Russian tourists were adjusted downward as the year progressed, eventually falling below the 1.5 million originally forecast.
Now, the Russian tourist flow to Egypt demonstrates the volume of last year. Last year, from January 1 to March 15, 259,000 Russians came to Egypt. This year, during the same period – 258,600.
Tour Operators Expect 10-15% Surge in Tourists to Egypt in 2024
Anticipating increased demand, some tour operators are seeing a ten percent to 15 percent increase in the number of tourists going to Egypt. Explaining the reasoning behind this trend, industry insiders point out that although other destinations may offer more accommodation options, prices have risen significantly.
Consequently, there is an expectation of a shift in tourist flows, especially from Russia, Germany and Britain, favoring Egypt this summer.
Additionally, Egypt recently signed a monumental investment deal with a UAE-based company, earmarking an initial $25 billion for the first phase of a groundbreaking tourism project in Ras al-Hekma in the North Bank. The total investment of the mega-project is expected to reach 110 billion dollars.
Elkadi emphasized the importance of diversifying Egypt’s tourist sources, pinpointing the Middle Eastern, Italian, and CIS markets, including Russia, as key focus areas. He extended a special invitation to Russian tour operators to personally assess the offerings of Egypt’s resorts.
While acknowledging that the North Coast resorts may lack the Red Sea’s coral reefs and diving attractions, Minister Issa highlighted the allure of pristine white sands and tranquil turquoise waters, coupled with milder temperatures compared to the Red Sea region.
Minister of Tourism Applauds Egypt’s Tourism Surge and Infrastructure Growth in 2023
Last year, Egypt shattered its previous tourism records, welcoming 14.9 million tourists, surpassing the previous high of 14.7 million in 2010. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Issa attributes this achievement to the concerted efforts of the ministry, private sector, and strategic partners.
Among the notable milestones of 2023 highlighted by Minister Issa is a ten percent increase in hotel room availability, totaling 220,000 rooms. This expansion aligns with the ministry’s accommodation targets set for 2024, further bolstering Egypt’s tourism infrastructure to cater to the growing influx of visitors.