UK visits to Egypt already up 40 per cent in 2018

The Egyptian State Tourist Authority has revealed that 61,481 Brits travelled to Egypt in the first two months of 2018, an increase of almost 40% compared to the same period last year.

The latest figures reflect the broader upward trend for the destination over the past year, with 319,388 UK citizens travelling to Egypt in 2017, an increase of 38%. Visitation across all inbound markets rose by 53% year-on-year (YOY).

This rise is also credited to the increased frequency of airlift to Egypt, with weekly flights from UK departure points growing 38% from 18 to 25 in summer 2018.

Coinciding with a targeted campaign promoting the multitude of other popular locations Egypt has to offer, travellers seeking a true winter-sun getaway have discovered the Red Sea coastal town of Hurghada, a state-of-the-art beach destination catering to sun and sea seekers, with bustling markets and buzzing nightlife alongside world-class resorts and unique diving experiences.

While the Red Sea has boomed, the Nile city of Luxor has also remained a key destination for UK travellers. The region is referred to as ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’ for its unparalleled cultural offering – stretching from the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings to the majestic temple complexes of Karnak.

With developments such as the opening of Africa’s first Waldorf Astoria, Egypt’s first St. Regis property in 2019 and the highly-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum’s initial opening at the end of this year, indications are that tourism to Egypt is to continue to rise as confidence in the North African region continues to rebuild.