Introduction

Egypt is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations: from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, the country’s rich history has attracted visitors for centuries. Tourism plays a vital role in Egypt’s economy, and, with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the sector’s growth shows no signs of slowing. But for a country steeped in history, what are the benefits of this progression, and will it help or harm its historical legacy?

Tourism in Egypt

In Egypt, tourism accounts for around 8.5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product, a measure of a country’s economy), and provides almost three million jobs, representing around 12% of the country’s workforce. Egypt welcomed nearly 19 million tourists in 2025, a 21% increase from the previous year, and this number is expected to continue rising. Tourism not only supports Egypt’s economic growth, but provides millions of Egyptians working in this sector with a stable source of income.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

In November 2025, after 30 years of construction and on the 103rd anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the world’s largest archaeological museum opened in Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum is predicted to attract eight million visitors per year, who can view the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamun in their entirety for the first time since their discovery in 1922 by Howard Carter. With artefacts dating back thousands of years, including the 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II and the 4,600-year-old Khufu ship, visitors of the Grand Egyptian Museum can experience several millennia of Egyptian history all in one place. The museum saw great success after its opening, with demand for tickets even exceeding the daily limit of 20,000, and highlights how Egypt’s ancient history continues to shape modern tourism. 

Tourism and the Preservation of Historical Sites 

High-density tourism, while beneficial to Egypt’s economy, also carries several risks. It can contribute to environmental damage (such as the destruction of Red Sea coral reefs), pollution, and physical damage to historical sites. Egyptian authorities have attempted to combat these issues by introducing measures such as controlled access to historical sites and through projects such as the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative, which aims to conserve biodiversity. However, tourism provides critical funding for the preservation of Egypt’s historical sites and provides a livelihood for many Egyptians, making it an essential part of the country’s ecosystem. The sector funds the restoration and preservation of Egypt’s major and lesser-known historical sites, including those that do not benefit from UNESCO world heritage status and may not receive funding otherwise. 

Conclusion

History and tourism in Egypt are fundamentally linked. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the millennia-old treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum, visitors experience the country’s rich heritage while helping to sustain it. Despite the challenges that tourism can bring, it is ultimately this that allows the preservation of Egyptian history, ensuring that its heritage can live on and be experienced by future generations.