VALLETTA — Egypt welcomed 14.4 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 4% year-over-year, as the country continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, aviation capacity and new destinations.

The figures follow the Egyptian Tourism Authority’s participation in the 26th WTTC Global Summit in Valletta.

Egypt welcomed 19 million international visitors in 2025, with travel and tourism contributing $34.4 billion to the economy, according to WTTC. The country is targeting 30 million annual visitors by 2030.

To support that goal, Egypt plans to double its current hotel capacity of 240,000 rooms, with approximately 35,000 rooms in the development pipeline, including luxury properties.

Airport expansions at Cairo International Airport, El-Alamein, Sphinx and Marsa Matrouh are also planned to accommodate growing demand and improve access across the country.

Beyond established tourism centres, Egypt is looking to the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts, Nile Valley and Western Desert for further growth, while the Grand Egyptian Museum adds another draw to Cairo’s cultural offering.