Egyptian Travellers Embrace AI and Lux-Scaping for 2026
Egyptian travellers are heading into 2026 with strong enthusiasm for exploration, with new research revealing that 88% plan to take the same number or more holidays next year compared to 2025. The findings, based on a study of 2,024 adults in Egypt, highlight rising confidence in artificial intelligence, growing appetite for luxurious “bookend” stays, and a surge in passion-driven travel.
According to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report, Egyptian travellers are preparing for a diverse year of trips, averaging three domestic holidays, two short-haul breaks, and two long-haul journeys. Travellers typically book their holidays 2.4 months ahead of travel.
AI Moves Into the Mainstream of Trip Planning
The report confirms that AI-powered tools have been solidly embraced in Egypt’s travel habits. Nearly 80% of respondents say they have used AI to plan or research a trip, including more than 30% who rely on it “all the time”. Adoption is highest among those aged 18–24, of whom 84% have used AI, with 38% using it regularly.
ChatGPT leads the pack as the preferred AI platform for travel planning, used by 77% of those who have relied on AI, followed by Gemini (53%) and DeepSeek (18%).
Trust in AI is also rising. More than three-quarters of travellers (77%) say they would feel comfortable booking their holiday accommodation through AI platforms, while only 5% express discomfort with the idea.
‘Lux-Scaping’ Emerges as a Defining Trend
One of 2026's most notable travel trends is “lux-scaping” – the practice of adding a luxurious stay, such as a spa or high-end hotel, at the start or end of a holiday. The study shows that 80% of Egyptian travellers have tried lux-scaping, far above the 59% average across EMEA.
The trend spans generations: 82% of Gen Z, 81% of Millennials, and 88% of Gen X report having booked a trip featuring a luxury bookend stay.
Travellers cite multiple benefits, with 63% saying it helps them relax into “holiday mode” at the start of a trip, and 44% noting that ending with luxury helps them return home feeling refreshed. More than 30% say lux-scaping allows them to enjoy a level of luxury they could not afford for the entire holiday duration.
Passion Pursuits Drive Travel Choices
Passion-based travel is also on the rise, with 85% of Egyptian travellers having taken holidays centred on a personal interest. Gen X leads this trend at 90%, while 37% of Gen Z say they take passion-driven trips several times a year.
Sport tops the list of passions that inspire travel (52%), followed by music or cultural events and adventure activities such as trekking or safaris (both at 48%).
Country Hopping and Destination Plans for 2026
Country hopping – visiting multiple countries within a single trip – is gaining traction, with 67% of respondents planning to try it in 2026. Interest is highest among Gen X (73%).
Saudi Arabia is the top destination under consideration for major holidays next year (25%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (23%) and France (10%).
Accommodation Expectations Evolve
While traditional factors such as customer service (93%), weather (92%), cleanliness (91%) and price (89%) remain essential, travellers are also demanding more from their stays. Ninety-three percent say on-site entertainment is important, 92% value diverse food options, and 91% consider wellness and leisure facilities like spas and lounges key to the experience.
All-inclusive stays are now the most popular holiday format among luxury travellers (47%), outperforming resort holidays (33%), safaris (30%) and wellness retreats (26%). Additionally, 44% of travellers say they would pay more for guaranteed early check-in, while 29% would pay extra for preferred room location.
Travellers in Egypt are also highly motivated by value: 34% would book a holiday if offered a free added perk, and 33% are influenced by discounted pricing. Loyalty programmes are particularly influential, with 45% saying they impact accommodation decisions – well above the 32% average across EMEA.
Sustainability remains a priority, with 85% of travellers assessing the environmental impact of their plans, and half saying they evaluated the sustainability practices of their accommodation before booking their most recent holiday.
Industry Perspective
Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, commented:
“This comprehensive research offers a positive outlook for the travel industry as we head into 2026. Travellers are not only planning more holidays but are doing so in ways that reflect evolving priorities. AI is now a mainstream tool in trip planning, with nearly three quarters of travellers saying they have used it.
“Lux-scaping is set to be especially influential next year, particularly among younger travellers who are embracing ways to add a taste of luxury within their budgets. At the same time, passion-led trips – whether for sports, music, culture, safaris or adventure – continue to be a major motivator.
“Travellers are seeking value, sustainability, and deeper experiences, and I’m excited about a future where travel continues to grow, evolve, and inspire.”