Egypt Unites with Morocco to Lead Tourism Growth in 2025, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels and Welcoming Millions of International Visitors

In 2025, Egypt and Morocco have come together to lead tourism growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and welcoming millions of international visitors. Both countries experienced significant surges in tourist arrivals, with expanded air travel networks, major cultural landmarks, and high-profile events driving this success. As a result, Egypt and Morocco have not only reclaimed their pre-pandemic tourism figures but have far exceeded them, positioning themselves as the continent’s top destinations.

Tourism in Morocco and Egypt reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with both nations experiencing substantial growth driven by expanded air travel, major cultural offerings, and Africa’s largest football event. These factors have helped solidify their standing as the most popular destinations on the continent.

Morocco saw a significant increase in tourist arrivals, reaching approximately 19.8 million visitors in 2025—an impressive 14% rise from 2024. Egypt, too, enjoyed remarkable growth, with its tourism numbers climbing 21% to 19 million. This strong upward trend in tourism highlights the growing appeal of both countries on the global stage.

Tourism plays a vital role in Morocco’s economy, contributing around 8% to the country’s $178 billion GDP. The number of visitors has now exceeded pre-pandemic figures by 50%, indicating a robust recovery. Despite the challenges posed by the powerful earthquake near Marrakesh in September 2023, which affected certain areas, tourism remains unaffected. Marrakesh’s iconic Jemaa el-Fna square, one of the city’s main attractions, is undergoing a major transformation, reinforcing its importance as a key cultural landmark.

A significant factor behind this tourism boom is the expanded air connectivity. Royal Air Maroc, the national airline, has increased its presence across Europe, added more planes to its fleet, and introduced direct flights to the United States and China. With plans to expand its fleet to 200 planes by 2038, the airline continues to boost travel to Morocco. In addition, Ryanair has expanded its low-cost services to Morocco, providing affordable options for European tourists eager to explore the kingdom.

Football has also played a major role in driving tourism demand. In December 2025, Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across Africa and beyond. This high-profile tournament, running from December 21 to January 18, showcased Morocco’s capacity to attract large crowds for sporting events. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the country is aiming for 26 million visitors annually by 2030.

In Egypt, tourism has remained resilient despite regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict in neighboring Gaza. The country’s renowned historical attractions continue to captivate travelers from around the world. A major highlight for visitors has been the Grand Egyptian Museum, a $1 billion project located near the Pyramids of Giza, which opened in November 2025. The museum has quickly become one of the country’s most visited sites, reinforcing Egypt’s status as a key destination for culture and history.

Egypt has set ambitious tourism goals, aiming to attract over 20 million visitors in 2026. In some regions, hotel occupancy rates have already reached 100%, and the government is targeting 30 million visitors annually by 2031. These projections reflect the country’s growing appeal and the importance of tourism to Egypt’s economy.

While no single global body tracks tourist arrivals across every African country, statistics from organizations like the UN Tourism Agency and the World Travel & Tourism Council consistently show that Morocco and Egypt outperform other destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2025, Egypt and Morocco led tourism growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and welcoming millions of international visitors, driven by expanded air networks, cultural attractions, and major events.

Looking to the future, both countries are poised for continued growth. Morocco’s World Cup plans, along with its rich cultural heritage and improved air connections, position it for long-term tourism success. Similarly, Egypt’s growing infrastructure, iconic landmarks, and cultural events continue to draw international tourists, further cementing its place as a tourism powerhouse in Africa.

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