Europe is in the middle of a brutal heat-wave that is shattering temperature records and straining hospitals, roads, and farms.
Scientists say it is another clear sign of climate change, and Europe is now warming faster than any other continent.
As scorching summers become the new normal, many Europeans may start changing where they spend their holidays.
Some experts think Egypt could gain from this shift. Parts of the country have milder summer weather than much of Europe, and a weaker Egyptian pound makes it a more affordable destination for European travellers.
Tourism expert Dalia Helal believes climate change is already reshaping global travel.
“This is giving rise to what we call climate tourism, one of the fastest-growing trends in the industry,” she told The Gazette.
“More and more people are choosing destinations based on comfortable, safer weather rather than just beaches or historical sites. This creates opportunities for new places that align better with these changing climate patterns,” she added.
Egypt is well placed to take advantage of this trend, especially with all the new cities and tourism projects being built across the country.
Helal highlighted places like the North Coast, New Alamein, Marsa Matrouh, and Alexandria, which offer pleasant summer temperatures and excellent beaches.
“These areas stay relatively cooler compared to many other popular spots,” she said.
“They provide a good quality of life and can attract all kinds of visitors, including families, water sports enthusiasts, and even people who work remotely,” she added.
Egypt’s growing number of hotels, new entertainment options, and better infrastructure could also appeal to travellers looking for longer stays while working online, a trend that took off after the Covid-19 pandemic.
But Helal says Egypt’s potential goes far beyond its beaches.
Climate-friendly tourism could boost eco-tourism, wellness travel, leisure trips, and even yacht tourism.
This could help the country move away from seasonal tourism towards a more balanced, year-round industry, she said.
While Egypt’s favourable exchange rate is attractive, Helal warned that cheap prices should not be the main draw.
“Modern travellers want high-quality service, easy transportation, safety, sustainability, and a complete experience,” she said.
If done right, this shift could bring real economic benefits: longer visitor stays, fuller hotels, more spending, new jobs, and stronger foreign currency earnings for Egypt.
To make the most of it, Helal said Egypt needs a clear plan involving the Ministry of Tourism, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and private businesses.
This should include strong marketing campaigns aimed at Europe, promoting destinations with milder weather and good options for longer stays, supporting eco and wellness tourism, and improving internet access for remote workers.
Upgrading facilities to meet international standards is also essential, she said.
These efforts would support Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for a more diverse and competitive tourism sector.
With recent investments in roads, airports, new cities, and tourism projects under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Egypt has a solid foundation, as long as the planning and marketing are smart and well-executed, other experts said.
Tourism investor Hossam Hazaa also sees real potential. He agreed that as temperatures rise in Europe, more people will look for cooler alternatives.
“Egypt has a real chance to benefit,” he said, pointing to the country’s varied climate and lower costs.
However, he stressed that good weather alone is not enough.
“Success will depend on offering a complete, high-quality tourism experience with easy access and smart promotion,” Hazaa told The Gazette.
If Egypt moves quickly — investing in sustainability and infrastructure while highlighting its moderate climate, climate tourism could bring in new types of visitors and strengthen the country’s place on the world tourism map, Hazaa said.
