Online travel marketplace Wego has announced a 12 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in flight and hotel bookings from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to Egypt.
The growth reflects Egypt’s surging popularity as a premier travel destination among Gulf travelers.
Read: Egypt’s tourism surges with 15.7 million visitors and plans for 40,000 new hotel rooms
“Unmatched Diversity” campaign drives interest
The uptick in bookings comes as part of Wego’s ongoing campaign in partnership with the Egypt Tourism Authority, launched under the theme “Unmatched Diversity”.
The campaign aims to highlight Egypt’s wide-ranging tourism appeal — from ancient landmarks and vibrant cultural sites to beach escapes, adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and sports tourism.
Newer destinations such as Al Alamein, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Ain Sokhna, and the North Coast are gaining traction among travelers, thanks to their upscale beach developments, eco-friendly resorts, and modern infrastructure.
These areas are fast emerging as key components in Egypt’s expanding tourism portfolio.
GCC travelers show strong interest, led by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
Among the GCC countries, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are leading the surge in travel interest to Egypt. Saudi Arabia is currently the top source market, followed closely by Kuwait. Both countries have played a major role in driving the increase in bookings and overall traveler engagement.
Hotels dominate accommodation choices
Wego’s data reveals a clear preference for hotel stays over other accommodation types:
- 93 percent of travelers opted for hotels
- 5 percent chose resorts
- 1 percent selected aparthotels
In addition, there is a marked demand for high-end stays, with 57 percent of travelers booking 5-star properties, underlining the appeal of Egypt’s luxury accommodation offerings among GCC visitors.
Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego, said: “We are thrilled to support the Egypt Tourism Authority in promoting Egypt as a key destination for GCC travelers. The YoY growth in bookings indicates that Egypt continues to be a favored spot. We anticipate further growth in the coming months as we continue to optimize our campaigns for the region.”
Advance planning and longer stays on the rise
Travelers from the region are also planning ahead, with most searches occurring 30 to 59 days before departure. The average trip duration stands at 10 days, indicating a trend toward more immersive travel experiences.
Solo travel gains popularity
Solo travelers represent the fastest-growing segment, with a 13 percent increase in searches compared to the previous year. This reflects Egypt’s rising appeal among independent travelers drawn to the country’s blend of leisure, history, and culture.
A destination for every traveler
Egypt’s strength lies in its ability to cater to a broad range of travel styles. Iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s ancient temples, and the historical quarters of Islamic Cairo continue to attract cultural enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Red Sea coastline offers idyllic beaches and world-renowned diving spots, while the Sinai Desert appeals to thrill-seekers with safari adventures.
Wellness travelers are drawn to spa resorts and retreats across the country, and Nile cruises remain a top choice for those seeking a serene, scenic escape.
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said: “Our partnership with Wego has played a vital role in showcasing the diversity of Egypt’s tourism offerings to key regional markets. Through the Unmatched Diversity campaign, we aimed to highlight not just our iconic archaeological treasures, but also the dynamic product portfolio mix available from beach escapes and wellness retreats to cultural immersion, adventure, and sports activities.
“We’re proud to see the growing interest from GCC travelers and look forward to welcoming more visitors to explore Egypt’s timeless charm and modern vibrancy.”
Continued momentum expected
Building on the success of this strategic collaboration, Wego anticipates Egypt will continue to rank as a top destination for GCC travelers throughout the year.
The company has pledged to support Egypt’s tourism sector through ongoing, targeted campaigns designed to sustain and grow demand across the region.
