In 2023, Egypt welcomed 14.9 million international visitors. Among them, Russians stood out as the second-largest group, contributing about 1.5 million tourists over the year, a figure highlighted by Ahmed Isa, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, in a recent briefing with RIA News. Isa underscored that Cairo eyes a broader draw from global markets, including BRICS nations, as part of a long-term strategy to bolster visitor numbers and foreign currency earnings. He noted that there are currently relatively few visitors from Brazil and India, but expects that the mix will increasingly include travelers from these and other BRICS countries, with China already showing the strongest growth in recent periods. Isa spoke of ongoing marketing efforts and route development designed to make Egypt a more accessible and appealing destination for travelers from these large, fast-growing economies. (citation: RIA News)
The tourism sector remains a major source of foreign exchange for Egypt’s economy. Local authorities have repeatedly emphasized the role of tourism revenue in supporting national finances, with ongoing discussions about expanding capacity, improving visitor experiences, and sustaining growth through diversified source markets. While early forecasts had outlined ambitious revenue targets, the overarching aim across government and industry voices has been to enhance competitiveness, ensure safety and reliability for travelers, and maximize the sector’s contribution to employment and regional development. (citation: government briefings)
Beyond North Africa, the regional landscape continues to evolve. Since January 1, 2024, the BRICS coalition expanded to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as full members. The inclusion of Egypt signals a broader regional engagement and a potential shift in tourism flows as business, trade, and people-to-people exchanges increase within this enlarged bloc. Observers note that such shifts could gradually diversify Egypt’s visitor base and deepen cultural and economic ties with a wider set of partners. (citation: regional trade councils)
Separately, there have been announcements regarding Georgia’s tourism performance, with officials projecting record earnings from tourism in 2023. The country has historically ranked among the top three Russian holiday choices, reflecting a sustained appeal that complements broader regional travel patterns. These developments illustrate the evolving dynamics of tourism in the region, where market diversification and strategic partnerships are shaping long-term demand. (citation: travel and tourism agencies)