The country, recognised by the Lonely Planet as the destination with the best value for money, is expecting a record number of visitors in 2023. To continue this trend next year, further openings of new historic sites and resorts...
-Unforgettable adventures, exciting experiences, and warm sunshine: the award-winning holiday hotspot of Egypt offers something for all travellers this winter. While the winter chill is setting in and the world is eagerly looking forward to the holiday season, the country on the Nile is proving to be a fascinating and affordable destination for a winter holiday in the sun.
Unique Experiences and Adventures
In a time when travel is not just about the destination but the experiences that come with it, the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and the lush River Nile delta stands tall as a destination worth exploring, whether travellers are seeking immersive urban experiences in Cairo and Alexandria, personalised river cruises, unique desert adventures or some of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving sites in the Red Sea.
"Tourism has changed in recent years. More and more travellers are coming to Egypt because the country offers them diverse and unique experiences and they feel safe here. Our endeavour is to offer every guest a trip that allows them to relax and unwind as well as get to know our rich culture," says Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. "Last year we saw an influx of visitors during the cold months, and we expect millions of travellers to come again this year to escape the winter."
Significant Investments in Popular Tourist Spots
Significant investments have been made in Egyptian destinations, including restoring and developing archaeological sites and opening new museums and hotels. Highlights include the Graeco-Roman Museum reopening in Alexandria, the restoration of the Great Hypostyle Hall in the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum opening in early 2024 near Cairo.
Sustainability Is Becoming Increasingly Important
With an increasing focus on sustainability, Egypt offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for eco-friendly ways to connect with nature, cultural and historical heritage and people. For example, many tour operators offer packages that include stays in eco-friendly accommodation and support local businesses. The country is also home to a number of eco-lodges, including Eco Nubia on the once-deserted island of Bigeh, which has become an internationally renowned attraction and recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
That's not all, as destinations such as Cairo and various resorts along the Red Sea coast between El Gouna and Marsa Alam are also involved in environmental certification programmes. Sharm el-Sheikh was even recently recognised as the best sustainable tourist city by the Arab Union for Tourism Media (AUTM).
A Record Year for Tourism
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, more than seven million tourists visited Egypt during the first half of 2023. The country, which features as a Best Value Destination on the newly released Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 list, is on target to attract 15 million tourists this year. Another important reason for this: even in times like these, Egypt is known as one of the safest travel destinations in the world.
From ancient wonders to modern neighbourhoods, discover Egypt’s beating heart
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the world’s largest megacities, with a vast metropolitan area stretching out as Greater Cairo to include Giza and the outer suburbs that have developed to the east and west of the city centre. The beating heart of the city is nestled and centred around the banks of Egypt’s majestic River Nile and its glistening waters that have served as a lifeline for Egyptians since the dawn of human civilization.
Present-day visitors will still find a flurry of activity on the banks of the river, from lively cafes and strolling couples to gently bobbing feluccas (traditional sailboats) gliding their way across the water. Cairo’s position as a major cultural, economic, and political hub for Africa and the Middle East makes this vibrant, cosmopolitan city a magnet for movers and shakers from all over the region and globe.
Cairenes are always ready to get to know visitors from around the world and friendly banter runs in their blood. You won’t be leaving Cairo without a new friend or two. If you want to put your finger on the pulse of the social and cultural life of the Middle East, there is nothing that compares to spending time exploring Cairo. Whether your curiosity takes you to the picturesque alleyways of medieval Cairo, the 19th-century French-inspired modern streets and facades of Downtown, or toward a relaxing brunch and massage in one of contemporary Cairo’s upscale neighbourhoods, you will surely have an unforgettable experience.
No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the famous Giza Pyramids. Venture west across the Nile and head to where the lush green countryside meets the desert in Giza, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis. Explore a land saturated in ritual, mystery, and cult ceremony. In the shadows of the Giza pyramids, you can begin your journey with a trek from north to south, exploring all the monuments that led to the construction of the most famous structures in the world.
