The latest data released by the tourism sector, based on a research sample of 2,024 adults, shows that 88%, or 9 in 10, Egyptian travelers intend to increase the number of their holidays or keep it the same in 2026, while more than 61% specifically plan to take more trips.
The findings of the "Travel Ticket 2026" report by Marriott Bonvoy showed growing momentum in the tourism sector, as the average Egyptian traveler intends in 2026 to take three holidays within the country, alongside two short-haul holidays (with a flight of no more than four hours) and two long-haul trips. The report stated that the average advance booking period among Egyptian travelers is 2.4 months before the trip date.
In a sign of a fundamental shift in travel planning habits, the study revealed that around 80% of Egyptian travelers have used artificial intelligence technologies to plan or search for their holidays, while more than 30% confirmed that they rely on these technologies constantly in all their travel preparations.
Young people aged 18 to 24 lead the adoption of this technological revolution, with 84% of them having used AI to plan their trips, while 38% of these young people rely on these tools for every trip without exception.
ChatGPT: travelers' preferred adviser
In terms of technology platforms, ChatGPT ranks first as travelers' preferred AI model, used by 77% of travelers who have previously used AI to plan their trips. Gemini comes second with 53%, followed by DeepSeek with 18%, reflecting the variety of options available to travelers.
These figures reflect growing confidence in AI capabilities, as 77% of travelers said they are completely "comfortable" with the idea of relying fully on smart platforms to book accommodation in the future, while those with reservations about the idea did not exceed 5%, indicating a radical change in traditional concepts of travel planning.
Luxury stays: a shift in travel patterns
Among the most prominent travel trends expected for 2026, the "luxury ritual" phenomenon stands out as an innovative concept embodying a shift in travel patterns. It consists of an exceptional luxury stay, such as a spa resort or luxury hotel, that the traveler chooses as an oasis of relaxation to begin or end their trip with the highest level of elegance and luxury.
The figures reveal a remarkable spread of this travel culture among Egyptians, as more than 80% of travelers have already tried this pattern, outpacing the Europe, Middle East and Africa average, which did not exceed 59%. The "luxury ritual" culture attracts various age groups at rates exceeding 80%, confirming that the passion for luxury transcends generations, whether the stay is at the beginning or the end of the holiday.
Interests drive destination choice and trip planning
"Hobby tourism" is emerging as one of the most prominent rising travel trends, with the pursuit of personal interests being the main driver of destination choice and trip planning. Figures indicate that more than 85% of Egyptian travelers have already had this experience.
Trips linked to sporting events top the list of interests, with 52% of Egyptian travelers relying on sporting activities (watching or participating) as the main starting point for planning their holidays. Cultural and music trips and adventure trips (such as camping and safari sports) share second place, each recording 48% of travelers.
"Hopping tourism": diversifying destinations and combining them in one trip
"Hopping tourism" is expected to become a prominent phenomenon in 2026, with travelers combining visits to several separate countries, not just destinations, in a single trip, seeking to diversify and deepen the experience. Some 67% of travelers intend to "probably or definitely" take this type of trip next year.
In terms of destinations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appears to be an attractive destination for Egyptian travelers, with 25% of them considering spending their main holiday there in 2026, while the United Arab Emirates, at 23%, and France, at 10%, come next as the most popular destinations.
Criteria for choosing travel destinations
Traditional criteria have always formed the main pillar of travelers' choices, most notably service quality at 93%, weather conditions at 92%, cleanliness levels at 91% and value for money at 89%.
Luxury is no longer limited to traditional basics but has extended to encompass the guest experience as a whole. The variety of entertainment facilities within the accommodation has become a pivotal criterion for 93% of travelers, followed by the importance of a diverse range of restaurants and dining options within the property at 92%, and the availability of integrated facilities such as pools, spas and lounges at 91%.
Special perks
"All-inclusive packages" top the list of options for travelers seeking luxury, with 47% intending to try them in 2026, ahead of resort holidays at 33%, safari trips at 30% and spa resorts at 26%.
Egyptian travelers also show a notable willingness to enhance their stay experience, with 44% agreeing to pay extra to guarantee early check-in, while 29% consider choosing their preferred room location worth an additional fee.
The Egyptian traveler is keen to get maximum value from their travel spending, as getting free extras (a free night or an upgrade) motivates 34% to complete a booking, while special rate offers are a similar incentive for 33% of them.
A clear influence of hotel loyalty programs in steering Egyptian travelers' choices can be observed, as 45% of respondents acknowledge that these programs actually influence their booking decisions, a rate that exceeds the regional average for Europe, the Middle East and Africa of 32%.
Environmental considerations take a prominent place in Egyptian travelers' plans, as 85% of those booking holidays are keen to assess the environmental footprint of their trips, outperforming the regional average for Europe, the Middle East and Africa of 73%.
When asked whether sustainability was taken into account in choosing accommodation during their last holiday, 50% of Egyptian travelers confirmed that they had checked this aspect before completing the booking.
Commenting on the report's findings, Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, and Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said: "This comprehensive report offers very positive indicators for the travel sector, showing that the number of holidays will see a tangible increase in 2026. The research also reveals a range of growing and notable trends, most prominently the clear shift toward using artificial intelligence in planning and searching for holidays, which has today become common practice."
It should be noted that this study was conducted by Mortar Research on a sample of 2,024 adults in Egypt from July 14 to 21, 2025, as part of a broader study that included 22,266 adults across the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Poland, Turkey, South Africa and Egypt. The minimum sample size in each country was 2,000 respondents.
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