AFRICA’S tourism industry is soaring, with fresh data showing that over 50 million international travellers visited the continent’s top destinations in the past year. At the heart of this boom stands Egypt, which has emerged as the region’s undisputed leader in attracting tourists — and in handling them at its bustling main airport.
According to figures released by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), Egypt received a staggering 14.91 million international visitors in 2023, outperforming every other African country. Morocco followed closely behind with 14.52 million visitors, while South Africa secured its status as sub-Saharan Africa’s top destination, hosting more than 8.5 million tourists.
Cairo’s air gateway dominates continent
Egypt’s remarkable tourism performance is further underscored by the record-breaking traffic through Cairo International Airport (CAI). The airport saw 26.2 million passengers in 2023 — a 31 percent increase from the previous year — cementing its status as the busiest airport in Africa.
That total places CAI well ahead of its nearest continental rival, O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, which recorded 17.5 million passengers.
Cairo International Airport, situated in Heliopolis to the northeast of Egypt’s capital, spans 14 square miles and serves as the main hub for both Egyptair and Nile Air. It is also a key stopover for major international airlines including British Airways, Air France, and Asiana Airlines.
CAI ranks among the busiest airports in the Middle East, only trailing giants like Dubai, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi.
Expansions fuel capacity and convenience
With growing passenger numbers, CAI has consistently upgraded its infrastructure. The airport boasts four terminals, with Terminal 1 — inaugurated in 1963 by President Nasser — still in use today after several rounds of expansion.
Terminal 3, opened in 2009, is the largest and was developed to alleviate pressure on Terminal 2. Meanwhile, Hall 4 caters exclusively to private and executive jet travellers.
In 2011, the Seasonal Flights Terminal was introduced to manage the annual spike in pilgrimage traffic. This facility can accommodate 1,200 passengers per hour and plays a crucial role during religious travel peaks, especially to Mount Sinai and the Monastery of Saint Catherine.
British tourists return to the land of the Pharaohs
The UK remains a key source market for Egypt. In 2022, more than 500,000 British travellers chose Egypt as their holiday destination, driven by the allure of iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza.
Tourism experts predict that Egypt — along with Tunisia — could attract even more holidaymakers in coming seasons as travellers seek alternatives to traditional Mediterranean destinations like Turkey.
‘Tourists looking for a low-budget holiday may prefer Egypt and Tunisia instead of Turkey,’ Hamit Kuk, an advisor to the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, told Express.
With its blend of ancient wonders, improved connectivity, and modern infrastructure, Egypt appears poised to remain the continent’s tourism frontrunner for the foreseeable future.
