Morocco And Egypt Smash Records As Africa’s Top Tourist Destinations

Morocco has cemented its position as Africa’s most visited destination for the second consecutive year. The country welcomed approximately 19.8 million international tourists in 2025, according to official tourism authority data reported by Business Insider Africa. The figure represents a 14 percent increase from the previous year, narrowly edging out Egypt, which recorded roughly 19 million visitors despite posting a sharper 21 percent year-on-year growth.

Both North African nations have shattered their own records, underlining a robust post-pandemic recovery that positions them as pillars of the continent’s tourism economy. The numbers confirm what industry observers have noted since 2024: Morocco maintains a lead in absolute arrivals, while Egypt’s percentage gains reflect a steeper rebound from earlier challenges.

Morocco’s Strategic Expansion Fuels Visitor Growth

Morocco’s sustained performance stems from deliberate infrastructure investments and connectivity enhancements that have transformed its accessibility. The kingdom has rolled out expanded air routes connecting secondary cities to European and Gulf markets, with both low-cost carriers and legacy airlines increasing capacity to meet demand.

Event-driven travel has played a notable role, particularly the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, which drew international attention and visitors. However, the country’s strategy extends beyond marquee events. Continued investment in urban tourism centers, coastal resort development, and desert destinations form part of a comprehensive approach to position tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth ahead of major international gatherings planned for later this decade.

Egypt’s Sharp Rebound Signals Recovery Momentum

Egypt’s 21 percent surge in tourist arrivals marks a recovery from a challenging period shaped by currency instability, regional security concerns, and the indirect impact of the Gaza conflict on traveler sentiment. The 2025 figures demonstrate renewed confidence in the destination, driven by enhanced flight connectivity, the unveiling of major cultural attractions, and sustained demand for Red Sea resort experiences.

The country’s appeal as a sun-and-culture destination remains formidable, drawing visitors to ancient monuments and coastal getaways alike. While starting from a lower base than Morocco, Egypt’s percentage growth rate suggests momentum that could reshape the competitive landscape between the two nations in the coming years.

Methodological Considerations Shape Regional Rankings

Direct comparisons between Morocco and Egypt carry certain complexities that merit consideration. Per HESPRESS, the UN World Tourism Organization notes that differing methodologies in counting visitors, including variations in how cruise passengers and short-stay travelers are classified, can affect rankings.

Egypt’s gradual release of tourism data during its post-pandemic recovery in 2024 also complicated year-over-year comparisons. Despite these technical distinctions, the broader narrative remains clear: both countries achieved record-breaking performance in 2025, reinforcing their status as Africa’s tourism powerhouses.

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