Are Shark Attacks Hurting Egypt’s Red Sea Tourism Industry?

• Raven Ruma
• . March 28, 2025
• . Update: March 28, 2025 8:04 pm
• 4 Views
• Shares

Concerns for tourist’s safety regarding shark attacks in Egypt’s Red Sea waters have arisen and caused a dip in visits to the country. The Red Sea is well known for its coral reefs and marine life and is an important diving and beach destination. 

There have been multiple shark attacks including a December 2024 fatal attack on an Italian tourist in Marsa Alam and a June 2023 in Hurghada in the last two years. The Egyptian government temporarily banned swimming and snorkeling due to safety concerns deepening detriment of visitors to the area after these incidents.

Earlier attacks including the 2022 murder of two women south of Hurghada and the Sharm el-Sheikh attack stoked fears over safety. While Egyptian authorities impose restrictions and increase oversight on the Red sea, repeated attacks can shake Egypt’s standing as a tourist destination.

Tourism has rebounded from previous disruptions like attacks from militants but the rising shark attacks will be another issue to address in tourism. Emphasizing marine security will be vital to maintaining Red Sea tourism which is an enormous part of Egypt’s economy.