Egypt has been a tourism success story in recent years. Visitor numbers ballooned from 13m in 2019 to 19m last year, according to government figures. Tourism helps sustain almost 3m jobs and brings more than $15bn a year into the country's coffers. The surge in visitor numbers in recent years is a reflection of the growing availability of cheap flights from Europe, as budget airlines and tour operators cater to holidaymakers attracted by Egypt's year-round sunny climate.
Millions of foreign tourists descend on Egypt's Red Sea coast each year, attracted to the all-inclusive resorts operated by foreign-owned package holiday companies.
Of course, the country also offers an unbeatable range of well-visited historical treasures, including the Great Pyramid at Giza just outside Cairo, the Valley of the Kings near Luxor and the ancient city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast.
The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza last November was a major milestone in the country's efforts to enhance its appeal for visitors interested in antiquities. The museum holds 100,000 artefacts and is expected to welcome up to 8m visitors a year.
Originally published by African Business.