Egyptians’ Spending on Summer Travel and Leisure Surged 44% in 2024, Visa Finds

Egypt’s tourism sector kicked off the decade recovering from political turmoil, global recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. But in recent years, it has staged one of its strongest comebacks, positioning itself as a global destination once again.

In 2023, Egypt welcomed 14.9 million tourists, the highest number in over a decade. That milestone surpassed the pre-pandemic record of 13.1 million set in 2019 and cemented Egypt’s place among the world’s most sought-after destinations.

The momentum has continued through 2024 and into 2025. By the end of this year, the country expects between 17.5 and 18 million visitors, according to Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Looking further ahead, the government has set an ambitious goal: 30 million tourists annually by 2028.

This surge is translating directly into economic gains. Tourism revenues hit a record USD 15.3 B in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Egypt, up 9% from the previous year. These figures highlight the impact of government policies and investments—from expanding air routes and modernizing infrastructure to high-profile campaigns showcasing Egypt abroad. In fact, the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer ranked Egypt 10th among the world’s top 20 best-performing countries in tourist arrivals.

Importantly, the boom isn’t being driven by international visitors alone. Rising incomes and a growing middle class are fueling domestic travel, too. Egyptians are spending more on leisure and staycations, turning destinations like the North Coast, the Red Sea, and Nile cruises into thriving local tourism hubs.

This shift is echoed in Visa’s latest consumer spending insights. According to the company’s Retail Spend Monitor, summer 2025 spending by premium cardholders in Egypt rose 44% year-over-year, with travel and leisure leading the way.

Travel spending grew 27%, split between outbound trips and domestic holidays. Dining and leisure also surged, climbing 57%. Longer getaways captured the lion’s share, accounting for 66% of travel spend, while short trips to European favorites like France, Germany, the UK, and Greece rose by 54%.

Outbound spending increased by 28%, driven by destinations such as the UAE, France, Spain, the USA, and Italy. Premium Visa cardholders dominated this segment, making up nearly 81% of total outbound travel spend.

The boom isn’t limited to Egyptians traveling abroad. Inbound tourism is also thriving. Spending by Middle Eastern visitors, especially from the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, increased by 35%. European travelers went even further, with spending from countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands rising by an astonishing 139%. Together, these figures reinforce Egypt’s growing appeal as both a cultural and leisure hub for high-value travelers.

Digital Takes Center Stage

Beyond where people are traveling, a bigger transformation is happening in how they pay. Digital payments are rapidly overtaking cash, especially among premium consumers.

Visa reports that digital payments surged 85% this summer, while eCommerce spending jumped 55% among premium cardholders. From booking hotels online to ordering food delivery during a staycation, Egyptians are choosing digital-first convenience and security.

Malak El Baba, Vice President and Country Manager for Visa in Egypt, put it simply:

“Consumers in Egypt are embracing digital payment options and experiences more than ever this summer. The rise in dining, leisure, and travel spend reflects a clear shift towards convenience, trust, and elevated experiences—with Egyptians choosing digital-first ways to plan, pay, and celebrate.”

Egypt’s tourism growth is converging with rapid digital adoption, creating fertile ground for change. Nearly half of all summer spending now comes from premium Visa cardholders, underscoring the rise of a consumer base that values flexibility, seamless payments, and high-quality experiences.

Nicolas Khoury, SVP and Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for CEMEA, stressed that these insights go beyond raw numbers:

“Visa empowers clients with actionable insights, helping them respond faster to demand shifts and unlock growth, especially during peak moments like the summer holidays.”

Egypt’s tourism boom is fueling not only more travel but also a shift in how Egyptians and visitors alike choose to spend. From extended getaways to digital-first payments, summer 2025 reflects a country on the move, both literally and economically.