Egypt's Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh Top Summer Travel Destinations

This summer, two cities in Egypt have emerged as the most popular travel destinations, surpassing renowned locations like Tokyo, Japan, and Bangkok, Thailand. According to a recent report by the global travel platform Booking.com, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have secured the first and second spots in the 'Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations' list.

Tokyo comes in third, followed by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Bangkok in Thailand. Other notable mentions in the top ten include Alicante in Spain, Nice in France, Malaga in Spain, Rimini in Italy, and Dubrovnik in Croatia.

The rankings reflect a growing demand for destinations that offer both relaxation and urban experiences. Booking.com noted that this summer's trends include large travel plans, extended stays, and meaningful healing journeys. The rise of lesser-known destinations like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh indicates a shift in interest towards new locations that can serve as alternatives to traditional European resorts.

Hurghada, which took the top spot, is a coastal city located approximately 450 kilometers southeast of Cairo. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into a hub for marine leisure activities, boasting numerous luxury hotels and resorts. The city enjoys a dry desert climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius, remaining mild even in winter.

Key attractions in Hurghada include the national marine park of Giftun Island and the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, which features over 100 species of marine life.

The rankings were based on accommodation search data collected from February 15 to April 15, 2025, for check-ins between June 1 and August 31. The survey included responses from 27,713 participants across 33 countries, with 1,004 respondents from South Korea.