Attracting Tourists to Egypt in the Midst of a Pandemic

The year 2020 was poised to be exceptional for tourism in Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum was slated to open this year after nearly two decades in the making, prompting recognition from travel experts. Cairo was named one of the top cities to visit in 2020, enhancing its appeal to international travelers. Moreover, it’s easier than ever to explore the country, thanks to the recent introduction of e-visas, the opening of a new airport in Giza, and new domestic flight routes connecting Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor, two of Egypt’s primary tourist hubs.

However, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt international travel, Egypt is employing various tactics to attract visitors. In June, the government removed the requirement for tourist visas for travelers visiting the country’s key tourist regions: South Sinai, the Red Sea, Luxor, and Aswan. This decision extends into the winter season, typically when Egypt experiences the highest influx of visitors. Furthermore, travelers flying with EgyptAir or Air Cairo benefit from a 20% discount on tickets to museums and archaeological sites.

Consequently, the country reopened to tourists in July, and it remains to be seen whether these incentives will effectively increase visitor numbers. Upon arrival in Egypt, all passengers must present a negative PCR test certificate, confirming that the test was conducted no more than 72 hours before travel.

Egypt anticipated welcoming approximately 15 million tourists in 2020, aiming to match the number from 2010, a year preceding political unrest. Nonetheless, as with many countries, actual numbers are expected to fall significantly short of this target. Tourism is a vital sector in Egypt, contributing over 10% to the nation’s economy.