The year’s outlook for the Egyptian tourism market remains positive, with 2019 expected to become a landmark year for tourism in Egypt, Colliers’ MENA quarterly review report revealed on Wednesday.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2019) had a positive impact on demand in both Cairo and Alexandria markets. Alexandria experienced the highest year-over-year (y-o-y) improvement in the first half of 2019 (1H2019) of the Egyptian market, the report mentioned.
Alexandria continues to lead the market in rate performance, recording a 26% improvement in average daily rate (ADR) over the previous year, the report said.
The report indicates that Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities intends to build on the wider African source market, offering African tourists entry to museums and attractions at the same rates as locals for the remainder of 2019.
Furthermore, Egypt’s large resort cities have experienced strong growth in demand and rate, though the Red Sea resort towns record lower-key performance indicators than the larger cities, the report explained.
The Cairo hospitality market has an additional 1,500 keys expected to enter the market by 2021, accounting for a 3% annual growth in the supply, the report mentioned, noting that other markets across Egypt are expected to grow at an average rate of 2% per year, considering the announced projects.
For other MENA destinations, the report said that with the successful launch of Jeddah Season, the kingdom’s appeal to leisure travellers across the region is expected to be broadened, noting that Backstreet Boys, Super Junior, and Afrojack performed in the city.
Tourists entering Dubai will receive a free pre-paid mobile SIM card based on their travel documents, the report noted, mentioning that this allows travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport to take advantage of the complimentary du Tourist SIM cards.
