Recent travel data shed interesting insights into Egypt vs Morocco tourism. Morocco welcomed 17.4 million international visitors in 2024 while some 15. 7 million people visited Egypt. For the longest time, culture and history in North Africa have been the major attractions for tourists. Egypt wins on this front with all the history it has about ancient Egypt through the Pyramids of Giza and its ancient temples.
On the other hand, Morocco has the most stunning cultural cities in Africa. The architecture in tourist hotspots such as Marrakech, Fez, Rabat and the ‘Blue City’ Chefchaouen is mind-blowing. Unknown to many though is that a fair percentage of tourists who visited Morocco and Egypt in 2024 visited for sports engagement.
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Why Sports Matter in Egypt Vs Morocco Tourism Development
Sports is the new kid on the block in Egypt vs Morocco tourism discourse. Increasing e-sports popularity in Africa is fueling tourism competition in these North African countries. Traditionally, Morocco and Egypt are heavyweights in sports. They rule the African football scene with their most formidable national teams; the Atlas Lions (Morocco) and The Pharaohs (Egypt).
This year, Morocco is ambitiously looking at welcoming 18 million visitors, thanks to the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). It successfully lobbied to hold the biggest football competition in Africa. The Moroccan government is keen on AFCON 2025 as a stepping stone to co-hosting FIFA World Cup in 2030. Further, officials in Morocco’s tourism ministry are relentlessly pursuing policies aimed at growing the sector even more.
Essaouira city in Morocco. Photo/Morocco
For Egypt, an increase in tourist arrivals in the past year was sponsored by e-sports tournaments. Its capital, Cairo is now a popular e-sports tournament destination. Young Africans are now embracing the world of online gaming. African cities such as Cairo lead the way in attracting more visitors through e-sport tournaments. The Egyptian Capital hosted the famous Insomnia Online Gaming Festival at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. Moreover, the country hosts lethal e-sport teams such as Anubis Gaming.
Has Morocco Surpass Egypt to Become the Leading Tourist Destination in Africa?
According to UN Tourism Report 2025, Morocco surpassed Egypt in 2024 in foreign arrivals. The report indicates that 17.4 million people visited Morocco in 2024 while 15.7 million people visited Egypt in the same period. In 2023, 14.52 million tourists visited Morocco while Egypt welcomed 10.9 million visitors. Yet, Egypt topped Africa’s most-visited country in 2022 with 14.9 million visitors while Morocco came in second with 12.2 million visitors.
Covid-19 recovery brought fierce competition in Egypt vs Morocco tourism. This supremacy battle favoured Morocco for the past two years as Egypt played catch up and continues to in 2025. Hosting 2025 AFCON gives the Berber country an upper hand in hosting more visitors for the month-long tournament. Still, it’s not all doom for Egypt.
How Egypt Could Benefit from Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS)
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge 2024. Photo/AYTIS
With the upcoming Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS) in June, Egypt could topple Morocco’s foreign arrivals in 2026. As stated earlier, Cairo is one of the two major e-sport destinations in Africa and AYTIS is focused on tech innovations boosting tourism across Africa. With an innovation-centred summit, marketing Cairo as a leading African e-sport destination could be worthwhile. AYTIS slated to be held in Nairobi from June 24 to June 27 will have an insurmountable effect on Egypt vs Morocco tourism.
Is it Better to Visit Morocco or Egypt?
History and culture lovers have a hard time deciding whether to visit Morocco or Egypt because both countries have amazing histories and cultures. Egypt is a special place for history buffs. There are at least 138 pyramids to explore, the most popular being the Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s the largest with a steep history. Others include:
- The Pyramid of Khafre
- The Step Pyramid of Djoser
- The Pyramid of Menkaure
American TikToker Sumari Barnes during a past visit to Egypt. Photo/Sumari Barnes
Other historical wonders are ancient temples such as:
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Temple of Edfu
In contrast, Morocco is rich in culture and history but in a different way. Its medieval architecture narrates its history and shows a clash of cultures, a factor that plays out in Egypt vs Morocco tourism. Moroccan architecture is a mix of French, Islamic and Moorish styles which are appealing to travellers.
Additionally, Morocco is less conservative than Egypt. This is despite both countries being Muslim dominated. Morocco’s proximity to Spain has over the years affected the conservative Muslim culture. Dressing code is not as strict as Egypt’s and so are social interactions. Lastly, European, Arab and Berber influences have some intriguing aspects of the Moroccan culture that fascinate tourists.
