Last summer, overtourism protests erupted across Spain with campaigners fed up with flocks of tourists arriving. They claimed the ever-increasing number of visitors is disrupting their way of life and is the catalyst behind soaring property prices. With another summer of disruption on the horizon, many holidaymakers will be looking for an alternative holiday destination, and there is one incredible yet cheap country that is welcoming tourists with open arms.
You may think that the historic country of Egypt is expensive, but in fact, it offers sun-seeking visitors value for money. Egypt is a relatively affordable country, especially compared to Western European countries. The exchange rate with Egypt makes food and drink very cheap by UK standards.
In popular tourist areas, visitors can expect to pay just £2.15 for a meal at a local restaurant and £4.50 for a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant, according to Holiday Hypermarket.
Renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, as well as the River Nile, Egypt is preparing for an important year for tourism. Speaking exclusively with the Express, archaeologist and former Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Dr Zahi Hawass , says the country is bracing itself for an increase in tourists.
He said: “This is an important year for tourism, and the number of tourists this year will increase.
“We don’t need to attract anyone. Egypt is famous for its pyramids, which attract flocks of tourists. You can ask a child what they think of when they hear the word Egypt, and they will say pyramids.
“Our landmarks and history are known across the world.”
In 2024, Egypt welcomed a record-breaking 15.7 million tourists, surpassing the previous year’s record of 14.9 million. This year, the country is set to surpass this figure.
Dr Hawass believes a significant turning point in Egypt attracting tourists came when French President Emmanuel Macron visited the country earlier this month.
Macron visited the Egyptian port of El-Arish, which is just 30 miles west of the Gaza Strip. The war has no doubt taken its toll on neighbouring Egypt, but Dr Hawass stressed the country is safe with tourists from across the world returning.
There are currently no travel advisories in place for popular tourist hotspots in Egypt, such as Cairo, cities along the Nile like Luxor and Aswan, or resorts by the Red Sea, such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.
The Egyptian gem of Sharm el-Sheikh has long been a favourite among tourists thanks to its beautiful bronzed beaches, toasty temperatures, stunning coral reefs, and a bustling promenade full of restaurants and shops.
Dr Hawass stresses that, to attract more visitors, Egypt must advertise to people across the world that it is safe.
He said: “We were affected by the war in Gaza, but Egypt is away from the war.
“We need to make a programme advertising that Egypt is safe. It is a dream of everyone to go to Egypt.
“President Macon brought back tourism. He showed our country is safe. It’s fantastic to see people from all over coming here again, including Italians, Americans, and Chinese.”
Later this year Dr Hawass will be embarking on an incredible tour with Archaeological Paths.
A spokesperson for Archaeological Paths said: “And for those who have always dreamed of traveling to Egypt and exploring its wonders – not just as a tourist, but with exclusive behind-the-scenes access – Dr. Hawass invites you to join him through Archaeological Paths, a company that offers VIP tours to Egypt with his exclusive participation. To learn more and book your tour, visit www.ArchaeologicalPaths.com”
