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After three years of confusing travel rules, 2023 finally marked the comeback of tourism around the world.
We’ve seen a huge growth in bookings throughout the year as travelers took to the skies in droves in search of that bucket list spot they could only dream of a while ago (but couldn’t).
As usual, Google is keeping track this fast-growing trendand in the top ten of their ‘Year in Search’ list, one country in particular was highlighted as the most sought-after destination on its own continent, as well as a cultural behemoth awaiting (re)discovery now that normality has resumed.
Egypt is currently the eighth most searched for country and is experiencing record growth expected Ahead of the annual round-up, it seems pretty safe to say that this has been the case one of the rising stars of 2023.
The question is: why?
Why is Egypt so popular in Google searches right now?
A country as old as civilization itself, Egypt has been on Americans’ radar for years, and you already know why that is.
It is the land of the pharaohs, with unique landscapes, a fascinating culture and an abundance of world wonders.
We won’t bore you with another copy-and-paste article about the wonders of pyramid-studded Egypt: there are plenty of them going around already.
Instead, we would like to draw your attention to why Egypt is trending straight awayand in particular in 2023 record growth rates, and what has changed compared to previous years.
In other words, why are more and more Americans taking the 11-hour-plus transatlantic flight to Cairo when there’s an exhaustive list of alternative destinations they could explore instead?
Egypt was less tense to visit in 2023
First of all, if you’ve been to Egypt at all in the last two or three years and are returning in 2023, you may have noticed that the atmosphere a lot less tense.
The pandemic has finally subsided and the inscrutable sanitary controls that were changed numerous times in one week without any warning no longer apply.
American citizens – in fact, any other foreigner – can visit Egypt again without restrictions.
Aside from the visa-on-arrival policy, a bureaucratic hurdle that the Egyptian government has yet to clear, you no longer have to meet health-related entry requirements, fill out complicated forms at the airport, or obey crazy rules while you’re a guest you are in a holiday resort.
The return of normality is one of the reasons why Egypt is soaring in popularity in 2023, but that’s not all.
After all, every country has also abolished some restrictions a lot earlier then Egypt.
Is Egyptomania back?
This brings us to reason number two, and perhaps the most important of all: the renewed interest in cultural expeditions among Americans.
2023 has been the year of the culture lover, and the resurgence of South American colonial cities, remote Europe and mystical Southeast Asia as trendy tourist hotspots only goes to show that there are truly no limits to how far Westerners will go to experience more to have. meaningful experiences while traveling.
When it comes to cultural expeditions, Egypt is truly a no-brainer.
Its history dates back several millennia, and some of the oldest man-made structures are found within its boundaries, including the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, but these alone can Egyptomania is gaining steam this year specifically.
Instead, we need to look at new developments that are driving more searches, and therefore more holiday bookings, than the expected average, the biggest of which is the soon to be launched Great Egyptian Museumopens early 2024.
Twenty years in the making, and at a cost of a billion dollars, this majestic center for culture and science finally bows after a long wait, presenting to the public for the first time a vast selection of artifacts that previously had no permanent display. At home.
Among these is Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus, its associated 5,000 artifacts unearthed when the pharaoh’s legendary tomb was discovered in the 1920s, a 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses the Great, and the relatively well-preserved sun-powered, 2,500 year old -old Khufu ship.
Apart from the cultural matters, a series of new hotel openings and experiences has enhanced Egypt’s tourism offering this year, from a luxurious Four Seasons palace in Sharm El Sheik, the country’s premier resort, to the announcement of a new, ultra-modern 282-key Hilton in Marsa Alam.
Elsewhere along the Nile, cruise ship Viking has introduced one most remarkable products to date, the five-star Viking Aton river cruise, which takes guests on a 12-day ‘Pharaos & Pyramids’ adventure, starting with a three-night stay in Cairo before moving on to a eight-day trip down the Nile.
Sights include the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, as well as the tomb of his counterpart Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, visits to the temples of Khnum, Dendera, Abu Simbel and the High Dam, and traditional Nubian villages.
Overall, it is an exciting time to visit Egyptas the country awakens from its pandemic slumber, it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Did we mention it even has its own Bali? Yes. Get those plane tickets immediately.
Egypt is affordable by Western standards
Finally, a large part of the reason why Egypt generates large numbers of arrivals is its own country high affordability.
For an all-expenses-paid holiday on the Red Sea coast you will probably have to spend at least a few thousand dollars for a week’s stay at a resort, but for those on a budget and not necessarily looking to splurge a vacation, they can certainly get by on a ‘mid’ $361 for a week.
The figure is based on data collected by Budget your tripand includes accommodation, transportation, food and tourist attractions.
According to the platform, travelers have done this in the past spent an average of $26 per dayor the local currency equivalent, if you opt for a mid-range travel style, or a very reasonable $68 if you indulge in some luxury.
The average cost of a night’s stay at a budget hotel is $23, although it can be a lot more expensive depending on the traveler’s preferences and whether it is a Four Seasons hotel or an affordable, family-run neighborhood hotel.
The point is that consumer prices in Egypt are generally lower for tourists due to the devalued currency, and this is why it won’t weigh heavily on anyone, even if they are actively looking to spend more on comfort.
Egypt has made its mark in 2023 as one of the trendiest destinations in the post-pandemic scene, and based on Google searches alone, it could be a historic 2024.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
