The tourism booking activity for the Eid Al-Adha and summer season is experiencing a phase of anticipation and relative calm. This is attributed to the impact of the examination season on one hand, and inflationary pressures that have led to an increase in the prices of tourism programs by up to 20% on the other hand.
While incoming tourism has declined by 15% during the first quarter of this year due to geopolitical tensions in the region, the tourism sector is betting on postponed requests from domestic tourism and incoming Arab tourism to salvage the summer season.
Event Details
Omania Nasser, Chairwoman of World Travelers Tourism Company, reported that the market is currently witnessing a last-minute booking pattern. The overlap of examinations with holiday arrangements has delayed travel decisions. Nasser revealed that there is a seasonal price gap that raises the cost of tourism programs by an amount ranging from 5 to 10 thousand Egyptian pounds during the holiday period compared to regular days.
Nasser clarified that the price levels for 3-night programs in 4-star hotels range between 16 and 25 thousand Egyptian pounds, while luxury programs exceed 100 thousand pounds per person in some destinations.
Background & Context
Ahmed Mahmoud, Director of Domestic Tourism at Sky Egypt, indicated that the price increases of 20% this year are due to successive increases in operational inputs, primarily fuel and food commodities. This has forced hotels to adjust room prices to maintain service levels.
Moreover, Red Sea destinations and Ain Sokhna continue to top the list of Egyptians' preferences, with Ain Sokhna programs starting from 4 thousand Egyptian pounds, while prices in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada range between 5 thousand and 100 thousand pounds depending on the accommodation category.
Impact & Consequences
In the context of incoming tourism, Ali Ghoneim, a board member of the Tourism Chambers Federation, revealed a contraction in tourist numbers by 15% during the first quarter of 2026. Ghoneim attributed this decline directly to geopolitical disturbances in the region but expressed optimism regarding the Arab market.
For his part, Dr. Hossam Haza, a member of the Tourism Companies Chamber, believes that the recreational tourism sector has sufficient flexibility to absorb price increases in aviation fuel. He confirmed that the decision to travel for European and Arab tourists is now more related to security conditions than to financial costs.
Regional Significance
Haza anticipates a revival in the North Coast areas once the pace of regional tensions calms down. Tourism represents an important economic pillar for many Arab countries, and thus, stabilizing security conditions will contribute to enhancing tourism activity.
In conclusion, the tourism sector remains in a state of anticipation, relying on postponed requests from Arab and Egyptian tourists amid current economic challenges.