Morocco Tops Egypt as Africa's Top Summer Destination in 2025
Morocco has become a hot summer spot, drawing more tourists than Egypt in 2025 statistics. The two nations have competed fiercely for years to claim the lead in visitor numbers, battling it out until the very last minute.
A Close Race That Went Down to the Wire
The intense competition between Egypt and Morocco for billions in tourist dollars lasted almost until the end of last year. By June, the scales tipped slightly toward Morocco, which welcomed 8.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025. Egypt trailed with 8.7 million during the same period.
- Morocco and Egypt fought for every single tourist. By October, Morocco widened its lead. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity reported that, as of the end of September, 15 million tourists from around the world had chosen its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts—a 14% jump from the same period in 2024.
Traditional sightseeing wasn't enough anymore. "We're looking for something more," travelers said. Meanwhile, Egypt boasted its own successes. "Foreign visitor numbers hit about 15 million by the end of September this year, a 21% increase," said Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi.
Three months before the end of 2025, the two were neck and neck. The final quarter decided it all—and it did. Morocco pulled off a decisive win. Interestingly, Egypt didn't get the boost from the Grand Egyptian Museum's November opening or subsidies for low-cost airlines landing almost for free at Aswan and Luxor airports.
Morocco Hits Record Highs
Morocco's Ministry of Tourism just announced a record-breaking 19.8 million visitors in 2025—a 14% rise from 2024. "This historic result comes from diversifying tourism services, improving quality, and boosting international air links," a special statement said.
"Welcoming nearly 20 million tourists shows a profound shift in Morocco's tourism sector, driven by the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI," shared Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity.
For the second year in a row, Morocco holds the top spot among Africa's tourist destinations by visitor count.
Egypt's Strong Showing and Revenue Edge
Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbuli declared, "Our tourism sector saw an unprecedented historic leap in 2025. About 19 million visitors came to our Red Sea and Mediterranean beaches and historic sites, up 21% from 2024."
"This is a major achievement, reflecting Egypt's destinations' strong global competitiveness. Egypt is a safe, stable country with a clear vision for development, especially in cultural tourism. That's our biggest edge," added Minister Sherif Fathi.
- Which country made more money from tourists? Egypt's second place doesn't mean it lagged— it actually outperformed rivals in revenue.
In the first 11 months of 2025, Morocco's tourism revenue reached about $13.5 billion, per its Ministry of Tourism website.
Meanwhile, Wael Za'ire from the Federation of Tourism Chambers said Egypt's tourism industry generated $18.5 billion in 2025.
So, despite nearly a million fewer visitors, Egypt raked in about $5 billion more from tourists than Morocco.
