Egypt Banks on Grand Museum Launch and Hotel Boom to Sustain Tourism Momentum

Egypt is positioning itself for another year of robust tourism growth, with the much-anticipated launch of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) this summer and a wave of new hotel developments set to drive momentum. These strategic developments form the cornerstone of the country’s plan to build on its recent tourism achievements, according to the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

In 2024, Egypt welcomed more than fifteen-point-seven million international visitors—a notable rise of nearly six percent compared to the previous year. This figure significantly surpasses the pre-pandemic tourism high of fourteen-point-nine million, underscoring the sector’s strong recovery and upward trajectory.

Looking ahead to 2025, Egypt remains optimistic despite ongoing regional geopolitical pressures. Tourism authorities anticipate that international arrivals will increase by an additional ten to twelve percent, fueled by improved infrastructure, enhanced hospitality offerings, and global interest in the upcoming unveiling of GEM—the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization.

Egypt is placing high hopes on the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as a major catalyst for boosting short-term tourism. Located just two kilometres from the iconic Giza pyramids, the museum spans a massive five hundred thousand square metres—making it twice the size of the Louvre and the largest archaeological museum complex in the world dedicated to a single ancient civilisation.

Although parts of the vast cultural complex are already accessible to the public, several key attractions remain closed in anticipation of the grand opening scheduled for July third. Among the highly anticipated sections are the Khufu’s Boats Museum and the galleries showcasing the treasures of Tutankhamun, which are designed to offer visitors an immersive journey through the tomb of the legendary boy king.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to significantly enhance Cairo’s appeal as a tourist destination and motivate travelers to extend their visits. At present, many tourists view the capital primarily as a brief stopover—spending just a night or two to explore the pyramids before moving on to other parts of the country. The new museum aims to change that pattern by offering a deeper and more engaging cultural experience that encourages longer stays.

Achieving the goal of attracting thirty million international visitors will require Egypt to make a substantial expansion in its hospitality infrastructure—specifically by adding around two hundred and fifty thousand hotel rooms to its current inventory.

With one hundred and nine hotel developments underway, Egypt leads the African continent in hospitality pipeline volume. These ongoing projects represent a total of more than twenty-six thousand guest rooms, according to industry data. A significant portion—approximately seventy-one percent—are being driven by five major international hotel operators, all actively expanding their presence in the region.

Among the most ambitious developments is a transformation project along the northern coast, roughly two hundred kilometers west of Alexandria. Authorities plan to redevelop the coastal settlement into a vibrant resort-style city with integrated tourism, residential, and commercial zones.

In addition, construction recently commenced on a high-profile luxury hotel near the Giza pyramids. The $120 million project marks another milestone in the country’s strategy to upgrade accommodation offerings near major heritage attractions.

As work progresses on the country’s new administrative capital, efforts are also underway to revitalize and convert historical sites into cultural and tourism assets—part of a broader initiative to diversify visitor experiences and promote sustainable heritage tourism.

Further information about these upcoming developments has yet to be disclosed. Earlier this year, authorities introduced a plan to impose stricter oversight on short-term rental accommodations. Although currently outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the proposed legislation is intended to address ongoing concerns related to safety standards and cleanliness.

To support this initiative, officials are working toward the launch of an accreditation system that would clearly identify licensed properties. This framework is designed to help travelers distinguish between certified rentals and unverified listings, ensuring a more reliable and secure lodging experience across the country.

Cairo’s urban transit system is undergoing a major upgrade with the construction of a new metro line—its fourth—which will stretch across roughly forty-two kilometres and include thirty-nine stations.

In a separate initiative aimed at enhancing transportation in the northern region, approximately two hundred and sixty million dollars is being invested to convert the existing Abu Qir railway in Alexandria into a fully electrified metro line. This transformation is expected to modernize commuter travel and improve connectivity in one of Egypt’s key coastal cities.

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