Egypt has more than doubled its number of eco-certified hotel rooms over the past two years, according to official figures shared with Asharq News and confirmed by a senior government official, marking a major leap in the country’s drive toward sustainable tourism.
As of Q1 2025, green hotel rooms now account for over 37% of Egypt’s total hotel capacity — or approximately 85,700 out of 230,000 rooms nationwide — compared with just 40,000 rooms in 2022.
The milestone is part of Egypt’s strategic plan to fully green its hospitality sector by 2030, in line with international environmental standards set by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Red Sea and Sinai Lead Egypt’s Green Shift
Tourism hubs on Egypt’s eastern coast are leading the transition. The Red Sea Governorate tops the list with over 41,000 green rooms across 275 hotels, followed by South Sinai with 29,500 rooms in 123 hotels.
Cairo ranks third with approximately 10,000 environmentally certified rooms in 31 hotels. In Upper Egypt, Luxor and Aswan together offer nearly 2,200 green rooms, while other coastal destinations such as Marsa Matrouh, Suez, and Ras El-Bar collectively host around 3,900 rooms across six hotels.
Green-certified hotels apply sustainability practices such as renewable energy usage, water and waste management efficiency, and environmental awareness training — all increasingly favored by international travelers and tour operators.
Sector-Wide Transformation by 2030
Egypt’s Chamber of Hotel Establishments says all hotels in the country are expected to undergo green conversion by 2030.
“We’re working closely with stakeholders to mainstream green practices across the sector,” said Mohamed Ayoub, Chairman of the Chamber. “It’s no longer an option — it’s an operational imperative.”
The momentum comes amid a strong recovery in tourism, one of Egypt’s top foreign currency earners. The country welcomed 3.9 million tourists in Q1 2025, up 25% year-on-year, according to Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Full-year 2024 saw 15.7 million tourists, generating $16 billion in tourism revenue.
Green Investments With Higher Returns
“Today, sustainable construction and operations aren’t just ethical—they’re profitable,” said Haitham Nassar, General Manager of Ramses Hilton Cairo. “Guests are increasingly choosing green-certified hotels. ROI is higher.”
The shift is echoed by Alaa Aqel, CEO of Jaz Hotel Group, who emphasized that green practices are now “non-negotiable” in contracts with international travel agencies.
“Environmental standards used to be a luxury — today they are a global necessity,” he told Asharq. “Demand is strong, and our portfolio reflects that.”
Global Demand Driving Local Change
While small hotels still face challenges accessing financing for green upgrades, international demand and incentives from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, backed by global development partners, are accelerating change.
As Egypt builds toward its Vision 2030 sustainable development goals, the tourism sector stands out as a case study in how environmental transformation and economic resilience can go hand in hand.
