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Egypt‘s tourism industry is experiencing a surge due to the recent introduction of visa-free travel to 52 countries as of latest August 2024, including popular destinations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius. This initiative is making international travel more accessible for Egyptian citizens, boosting outbound tourism, and expanding opportunities for global cultural exploration. The new visa-free arrangements enhance Egypt’s connectivity on the global tourism stage, promoting greater cultural exchange and international engagement.
TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “The recent introduction of visa-free travel to 52 countries as of August 2024 is a game-changer for Egypt’s tourism industry, empowering citizens to explore the world more easily. This move not only boosts outbound tourism but also strengthens Egypt’s global connectivity, fostering cultural exchange and international relationships. With Egypt’s rich history and monumental landmarks, this initiative is poised to create even greater opportunities for Egyptians to share their heritage while experiencing the wonders of other nations.”
Egypt, a nation that bridges Northeast Africa and the Middle East, boasts a rich history dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Along the fertile Nile River Valley, you’ll find millennia-old monuments such as the colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, as well as the hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. The top ten outbound destinations for Egyptian travelers include:
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
UAE
Bahrain
Turkey
Lebanon
Jordan
US
Qatar
Italy
Egypt’s Outbound Tourism Spending Soars to $6.6 Billion in Early 2024, Marking a 5% Increase
In the first half of 2024, Egypt’s outbound tourism sector experienced a notable surge, with spending increasing by 5%. Total expenditures reached $6.6 billion, up from $6.3 billion during the same period in 2023. This growth reflects a heightened interest among Egyptians in exploring international destinations. Popular destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Turkey saw increased numbers of Egyptian travelers, contributing to the overall rise in outbound tourism spending. The increase also indicates a broader economic recovery and a growing middle class with greater disposable income for travel.
Travel and Tourism’s Contribution to Egypt’s GDP Rises to 7.7% in 2022, Down from 8.5% in 2019
In 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed 7.7 percent to Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), showing an increase compared to the figures in 2020. However, this share represents a decline from the 8.5 percent contribution recorded in 2019.
Expansive lists of Visa-Free travel:
Visa free lists
Barbados
Benin
Cook Islands
Dominica
Guinea
Haiti
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Iran
Jordan
Kiribati
Lebanon
Macao (SAR China)
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mauritius
Micronesia
Niue
Rwanda
Senegal
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The Gambia
VOA
Bolivia
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Djibouti
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Indonesia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mozambique
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Palau Islands
Samoa
Seychelles
Laos
Somalia
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
Yemen
Zimbabwe
ETA
Kenya
Sri Lanka
Airports in Egypt:
Cairo International Airport (CAI): In 2023, Cairo International Airport, Egypt’s busiest hub, facilitated approximately 10 million outbound passengers, serving as a key gateway for international travel.
Luxor International Airport (LXR): Luxor International Airport handled around 2 million outbound passengers in 2023, primarily catering to tourists visiting the ancient sites of Luxor and the Nile Valley.
Assiut International Airport (ATZ): Assiut International Airport saw approximately 500,000 outbound passengers in 2023, offering routes to regional and international destinations.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG): A popular gateway for beachgoers, Hurghada International Airport accommodated around 4 million outbound passengers in 2023, serving tourists heading to the Red Sea resorts.
Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria (HBE): In 2023, Borg El Arab International Airport managed approximately 2.5 million outbound passengers, with flights connecting to various destinations in the Middle East and Europe.
Egypt’s Outbound Air Travel: 2023 Passenger Figures and Key Destinations
Airlines in Egypt:
Air Arabia Egypt: In 2023, Air Arabia Egypt facilitated around 800,000 outbound passengers, offering budget-friendly flights primarily to destinations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Air Cairo: Air Cairo, known for its extensive network across the Middle East and Europe, carried approximately 1.2 million outbound passengers in 2023, serving as a popular choice for leisure travelers.
Air Sinai: Operating flights exclusively between Egypt and Israel, Air Sinai managed around 150,000 outbound passengers in 2023, focusing on direct routes from Cairo to Tel Aviv.
Alexandria Airlines: Alexandria Airlines, catering to both regional and international destinations, handled approximately 400,000 outbound passengers in 2023, with a significant number traveling to the Middle East.
AlMasria Universal Airlines: In 2023, AlMasria Universal Airlines transported around 600,000 outbound passengers, offering a variety of routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Exploring Egypt by Water: Key Cruise Experiences and Outbound Passenger Figures
Cruises in Egypt:
Nile River Cruises: The most popular cruises in Egypt, these journeys along the Nile River include stops at key historical sites such as Luxor, Aswan, and the temples of Abu Simbel. In 2023, these cruises collectively carried around 500,000 outbound passengers. Major operators include:
Mövenpick Nile Cruises
Sonesta Nile Cruises
Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
MS Mayfair Nile Cruise
Lake Nasser Cruises: Exploring the lesser-known but stunning region around Lake Nasser, these cruises visit sites like the Abu Simbel temples. They served approximately 50,000 outbound passengers in 2023. Key operators include:
Steigenberger Omar El Khayam
MS Nubian Sea
MS Prince Abbas
Red Sea Cruises: Offering a unique experience, these cruises explore the Red Sea coast, famous for its beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life. In 2023, they attracted around 300,000 outbound passengers. Operators include:
MSC Cruises
Thomson Cruises
Costa Cruises
Mediterranean Cruises from Alexandria: Some Mediterranean cruises start or stop in Alexandria, providing excursions to Cairo and other historical sites. In 2023, these cruises carried approximately 200,000 outbound passengers. Notable cruise lines include:
Royal Caribbean International
Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises
Egypt‘s tourism industry continues to flourish, attracting visitors from around the world to its iconic historical sites, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The country’s rich heritage, highlighted by the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the bustling markets of Cairo, serves as a powerful draw for tourists. With a diverse array of experiences, including Nile River cruises, Red Sea diving adventures, and Mediterranean explorations, Egypt caters to a wide range of interests and travelers. As the country continues to promote its unique attractions and develop new tourism experiences, it is well-positioned to maintain its status as a premier global destination, offering an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Things to do in Egypt:
Dominica stands out in the Caribbean with its breathtaking natural wonders, featuring a boiling lake, volcanic rainforests, sulfurous hot springs, and top-notch diving locations.
Batibou Beach
Batibou Beach, Dominica’s most exquisite beach, is a wild, coconut-palm-fringed haven ideal for swimming and snorkeling. An occasional beach bar offers drinks. It’s accessible via a 0.6-mile dirt road, necessitating a 4WD vehicle or a walk. Entry might cost US$5, and if the barrier is locked, a walk to the beach is required.
Middleham Falls
Middleham Falls, one of Dominica’s tallest waterfalls at 200 feet, requires a trek through lush rainforest. The trail, though well-maintained, is slippery and involves rock climbing, creek fording, and steep ascents. The reward is a stunning pool perfect for a refreshing swim. The round-trip hike takes about two to three hours
Explore Dominica:
Cabrits National Park
Located a mile north of Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park is home to Fort Shirley, a restored 18th-century British garrison. A short uphill walk from the entrance leads to the fort, which provides spectacular views of Prince Rupert Bay, particularly in the late afternoon. The park’s trails traverse historic sites such as officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, and a powder magazine.
Kalinago Barana Autê
This recreated traditional village near the Isukulati Falls provides a glimpse into Kalinago history and culture. A 30- to 45-minute tour includes demonstrations of basket-weaving, canoe-making, and cassava-baking. The highlight is the large Karbet (men’s house), where cultural presentations and dances are held. The tour also offers views of the falls and crashing waves.
Ti Tou Gorge
Ti Tou Gorge offers a unique experience with a short swim from a swimming hole through a narrow gorge to a powerful waterfall. The steep, vine-covered lava walls create an eerie atmosphere, but the spot can get crowded. Visiting early or late in the day helps avoid cruise ship crowds.
Hotels in Dominica
Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort
The Champs, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar
Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa
Secret Bay
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
Dominica shines in the Caribbean for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring a boiling lake, volcanoes draped in rainforests, sulfurous hot springs, and top-notch diving spots.
Batibou Beach
Batibou Beach, Dominica’s premier beach, is a wild, coconut palm-fringed crescent ideal for swimming and snorkeling. An occasionally unmanned beach bar serves drinks. Accessible via a 0.6-mile dirt road, you’ll need a 4WD or a short walk to reach it. Entry might cost US$5, and sometimes the gate is locked, requiring a walk to the beach.
Middleham Falls
To reach one of Dominica’s tallest waterfalls, Middleham Falls (200ft), you’ll trek through lush rainforest. Although well-maintained, the trail is slippery, with rock climbing, creek fording, and steep uphill sections. The reward is a stunning pool, perfect for a refreshing swim. The round-trip hike takes about two to three hours.
Cabrits National Park
Located just a mile north of Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park showcases Fort Shirley, a restored 18th-century British garrison. A brief uphill walk from the entrance leads to the fort, offering breathtaking views of Prince Rupert Bay, especially in the late afternoon. The park’s trails wind through historic sites like officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, and a powder magazine.
Hotels in Dominica:
Fort Young Hotel And Dive Resort
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
The Champs, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar
What to see in Cambodia
This enchanting yet perplexing kingdom weaves a captivating spell over its visitors. A journey to Cambodia compels travelers to reflect on the fascinating fusion of ancient traditions and modern life.
Bayon
Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, the 12th-century Bayon is a mesmerizing state temple of King Jayavarman VII. This iconic structure represents the creative brilliance and grand ambition of Cambodia’s most celebrated monarch. The temple boasts 54 Gothic towers, each adorned with 216 immense, smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, along with 1.2 kilometers of extraordinary bas-reliefs featuring over 11,000 figures.
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea, situated about 68 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, is a breathtaking and mysterious temple where nature has taken control. Built in the 12th century under Suryavarman II, this “Titanic of temples” follows the same architectural layout as Angkor Wat. Enclosed by a massive moat measuring 1.2 kilometers by 900 meters, exploring Beng Mealea offers an adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones.
Banteay Srei
Often regarded as the crown jewel of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is crafted from pink-hued stone and features some of the most exquisite stone carvings in the world. Begun in 967 CE, this small yet majestic site at Angkor is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Known as the art gallery of Angkor, Banteay Srei is beautifully preserved, with many of its carvings standing out in remarkable three-dimensional detail.
Best Hotels in Cambodia:
The Bridge Club
NagaWorld Hotel & Entertainment Complex
LCS Hotel & Apartment
Exploring Rwanda:
Known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills), Rwanda captivates with its endless rolling mountains. The Virunga volcanoes in the northwest stand as the most majestic of these peaks, hiding within their bamboo forests some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. For those seeking a different landscape, the shores of Lake Kivu offer some of Africa’s finest inland beaches, while Nyungwe Forest National Park protects vast areas of montane rainforest, teeming with primates.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Located in Kigali, this deeply moving memorial honors the estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus who were systematically killed by the Interahamwe militia during the 1994 genocide. The site serves as the final resting place for approximately 250,000 victims buried in mass graves and features an informative exhibition that attempts to explain how the world stood by as this atrocity unfolded. Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully absorb its powerful message.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most significant area of biodiversity and holds the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa. Despite its rich biodiversity, Nyungwe remains relatively unknown outside East Africa. The park’s biggest draw is the opportunity to track habituated chimpanzees, offering visitors a rare and intimate wildlife experience. Another highlight is the joy of hiking along well-maintained trails that traverse the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.
Volcanoes National Park
Running along the borders of the DRC and Uganda, Volcanoes National Park encompasses the Rwandan section of the Virungas, a range of five awe-inspiring volcanoes. This park is widely considered one of Africa’s most thrilling national parks. While the Virungas offer many extraordinary sights, the primary attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous mountain gorillas, which continue to draw visitors from around the globe.
Hotels in Rwanda
Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali
YAMBI Guesthouse
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